4
Sf eS OA acm ALONE
A
Pres
THE
WILTSHIRE
Archeolagical ont Botural AWrstory
MAGAZINE,
Publishes under the Direction of the Saciety
FORMED IN THAT COUNTY A.D. 1853.
VOL. X.
DEVIZES:
Henry But, 4, Sarnt JoHN STREET.
~ LONDON:
Bett & Datpy, 186, Fuerr Srrezt; J. R. SmrrH, 36, Sono SevaRE.
1867.
DEVIZES :
PRINTED BY HENRY BULL,
ST. JOHN STREET.
.
a
CONTENTS OF VOL. X.
No. XXVIII.
Account of the Twelfth General Meeting, at Salisbury, 13th, 14th,
and 15th September, 1865,—and Report.,.......++.seeeeeeeeees 1
A list of Articles Exhibited at the Temporary Museum, at cae r. 32
On Architectural Colouring : By T. Gamesrer Parry, Esa. . .-» 40-51
On the method of moving Colossal Stones as practised by some ‘of the
more advanced nations of antiquity: By the Rev. A. C. SmirH.. 52-60
On Ambresbury Monastery: By the Rey. J. E. Jackson, F.S.A. .... 61-84
Notes on Barrow-diggings in the parish of Collingbourne Ducis: By
BLES WY «Cae IURIBG cos oe, Cea be PT ena gce pence aenn ae ee 85-103
On the examination of the Roman Station at Baydon: By Wm.
MRMOENGTON MOSQ>- HL GiSe si cc scene dovev. as ciesc edeecs waste 104-109
On a piece of perforated Slate found at Aldington, Worcestershire: By
the Rev. Canon INGRAM, F.G.S. 0.0... .. cc reece ce ese e ee eeeees 109-113
SRPEERECOTIG Tere etnn fats ore aera eyes sacs Steere makeriae te tre e\o\ shel ova" e. 61 epeeeEre 114
DIOR CUMPEOL. Roc tins ota ccO rect ees cseuc kre susana i mcance 114
No. XXIX.
On certain peculiarities in the life-history of the Cuckoo: By the Rev.
Joe OL SITIES spe MEER ere <A ga BB Rig iSean cee inte eeenbee 115-130
Examination of a Long Chambered Barrow, at West Kennet, Wiltshire:
oly do alla Ai Hinsels@lbdo ce BRAINS Seas oigese Oech eca ai ne aia 130-135
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire: By W. B., R, Dy ......-.eeee eee 135-164
Gleanings from the Wiltshire Domesday: ‘By th aren W: H. JONES, .
SRT ss ste ee COM Cari ee ne af ne < G20» Mie ns 58 0 ae Carn Wiel 165-173
The Duke of Wellington and Hart Nelson: By the Rev. Bryan Kine 174-176
Fra of the Parochial History of Avebury: By Ditto ........ 176-177
Cn Hen as Guides to Routes over Salisbury Figin Sestaclectsietctacs 178
Roman Coins found at Easterton ...........0seeeeeceeeee see eees 178-180
The Flora of Wiltshire (No. X.): By T. B. ores: Esq., M.R.C.S.,
BM 0,; Gd. ca eit eens eo in TNS wc so eee emeees 180-209
cayations at Avebury: By the Rey. A. C. SMITH................ 209-216
MPRPAIOTI ayes c.a'o cocci a ele ¢ EIMMTRIRTOD Pa ee eters cle eee he eka seleeae ee 216-218
iv. CONTENTS OF VOL. X.
No. XXX.
Account of the Thirteenth Annual Meeting, at Devizes, 19th December,
ASGG—aned MLePONl c.feljers's ee levapeteeret micleebeet sire a oie ele o's a tele ve Meetanens 219-221
On the Recent Discovery of Flint Implements in the Drift of the
Valley of the Avon: By H. P. BuackmorE, M.D. .............. 221-233
Instructions for the Formation of a Wiltshire Herbarium: By T. B.
HnowkR, + Hs@,, MOIR.CS., E.LS., &e., 6, 0. -ce 0. ceclwewenine 233-236
On Bishopstone Church: By the Rey. Precentor LEAR............ 236-239
Terumber’s Chantry at Trowbridge; with a copy of the original Deed
of Endowment: By the Rey. W. H. Jonzs, M.A., F.S.A. ........ 240-252
Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co, Wilts: By the Rev. J. E. Jackson, F.S.A, 253-322
Some Old Coppers: By the Rev. Epwarp Pxacock, M.A. .......... 323-327
Bortrait.or. Ri PlekGOwee tens 5s sea tefemtnas oS bh cotelelet tone aes ; 327
Wonations sa- sis ceiste cis she > SSD OC OR OOD SCERO COR ae Ore tions: ic winla wie 328
Era. . coe Sere cad citer ete wO item ak Rel obi ee aateoantes wos 328
Lllustrations.
Map of Barrows at Collingbourne Ducis, 85. Plan of Barrow No. 4, 88. Cup
found at Collingbourne, 91. Plan of Barrow No. 6, 92. Three Urns and
Horn found at Collingbourne (plate iii.), 93. Plan of Barrow No. 5, 95.
Section of ditto, 97. Sections of Barrows in circular enclosures (plate ii), 99.
Ditto of Barrow at Windmill Hill, 103. Plan of Roman Station at Baydon,
105. Two Ampulle found at Baydon, 106. Iron Comb and Knife found at
ditto (plate v.), 107. Slate Plate found at Aldrington (plate vi.), 109. Slate
Plates from Skye and Wiltshire (plate vii.), 111.
Fig. 1, Plan of the Chambered Long Barrow at West Kennet, 130. Fig. 2,
The Long Barrow at West Kennet, 130. Fig. 3, Peristalith, 131. Fig. 4,
View in the Chamber looking through the entrance, 133. Fig. 5, Plan of
Chamber and Gallery, 133. Fig. 6, Gallery looking towards the Chamber,
132. Figs. 7 and 8, Flint Implements from the Chambered Barrow, West
Kennet, 133. Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12, Fragments of Pottery from the Long
Barrow, West Kennet, 184. Norman Arches between the Nave and Aisle of
Avebury Church, Wilts, as they existed previously to 1811, 176. Wooden
Font, Norway, 177.
eo w
—_
=. WILTSHIRE
Archealogeal ond Aotweal Wistory
‘
i
|
7
¥
|
>
,
MAGAZINE.
No. XXVIII. JULY, 1866. Vou. X.
Contents,
PAGE
Account or THE ELEVENTH GENERAL MEETING, AT SALISBURY,
13th, 14th and 15th SepremBrR, 1865,—and ReEporRT.......... 1
“A List or Artictes EXHIBITED AT THE TEMPORARY MUSEUM, AT
- DEVIZES:
Henzy Bort, Saint JoHN STREET,
LONDON:
ARMIES MUR Vat is ees acs ns P aio l ay sels eh ate, SOIC ol ckalaichaneretel ays oh olaltisbelan” a> s/s 50's 32
On ArcHITEcTURAL CoLtouRIne: By T. Gambier Parry, Hsq....... 40- 51
On tHE MetHop or Movine CoztossaL STONES AS PRACTISED BY
SOME OF THE MORE ADVANCED NATIONS OF ANTIQUITY: By the
MEE ere Cen TIIT DITA SE ores a(cra/ciisiny d,s) asco vigie e elae aurgerein. ne tartare 52- 60
On AMBRESBURY MONASTERY: ‘By the Rey. J. E, Jackson, F.S.A. 61- 84
Nores on BARROW-DIGGINGS IN THE PaRIsH OF COLLINGBOURNE
Ducts: By the Rev. W. C. Lukis’ .........cccees ceeeee cece 85-103
ON THE EXAMINATION oF THE Roman Station at Baypon: By
iys@unnington, Hsq., F.G.8. oo. cge ce cece cee ee ecw ec ateccee 104-109
_ ON A PIECE OF PERFORATED SLATE FOUND AT ALDINGTON, WORCES-
TERSHIRE: By the Rev. Canon Ingram, F.G.8...............+5- 109-113
Donations To THE MusrumM AnD LIBRARY............... Bice ett. 114
PP ERONNOLENTOD: eats slip ais. s See los Heit eaie ave cle serpie bet ewaldy. 6s 114
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Map of Barrows at Collingbourne Ducis................ 85
Plan of Barrow No. 4. ......-....eee0-5- Sjajwejeie’eis) sis) <\< 88
Cup found at Collingbourne ........ ' CGE - Gar gae Beas 91
Plait of arrow NO. Git. oe) sie wcuctealeiasie) silts ease Sie ded ave 92
Three Urns and Horn found at Collingbourne (plate iii.).. 93
Meter OLS RETO NOME oie 2.0 ow cleltda, acd) Sip eisiares.eiS! cle ae avis nes 95
Section of Barrow No. 5 ........ceeeee GMa. eons dees 97
Sections of Barrows in circular enclosures ( ate 1 AS, 99
Section of Barrow at Windmill Hill ......... mites eee 103
Plan of Roman Station at Baydon ......... ie ass Faecwanal! helen
mpulle found at Baydon....................000. 106
Tron Comb and Knife found at Baydon (plate y.) Hawa ste 107
“i ate Plate found at Aldrington (plate vi.).............. 109
Slate Plates from Skye and Wiltshire (plate Vili )ec ss cane » 111
Bett & Datpy, 186, Fienr Srezet; J. R. Surrn, 36, Sono Squarn,
«“}
THE
WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE
‘S MULTORUM MANIBUS GRANDE LEVATUR ONUS.”—Ovid.
THE ELEVENTH GENERAL MEETING
OF THE
Wiltshire Archeological and Natural History Society,
HELD AT SALISBURY,
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, September, 13th, 14th, and 15th,
1865.!
PRESIDENT OF THE MEETING,
Tuer Rieur HonovrasLteE Hart NEtson.
GUE Society assembled for its Eleventh Annual Meeting on
yiZys Wednesday, September 18th, at the Council Chamber,
Salisbury, when a very large gathering of ladies and gentlemen
was collected from all portions of the county. At two o’clock
precisely Tue Rigor Hon. tHe Hart Netson, President of the
' Society, took the chair.
The Mayor of Salisbury (R. H. Ricpsn, Esq.) said that before
the Chairman opened the proceedings of that meeting, he desired
on behalf of the citizens of Salisbury, _ himself and the Town
Council, to bid the Society welcome to this ancient city. The
citizens felt very much flattered by the Society’s visit: and he
trusted that the exertions they should make would show the
members of the Society how much they appreciated the honour.
1 The Editors of the Magazine desire to acknowledge the very great assistance
they have derived in preparing their Report of this meeting from the Wiltshire
unty Mirror, and from the Salisbury Journal, from whose columns they
herein quote at considerable length.
VOL, X.—NO. XXVIII, A
2 The Eleventh General Meeting.
The President then called upon the Rey. A. C. Smrru, one of the
General Secretaries, to read the Report.
; REPORT FOR 1865.
“The Committee of the Wiltshire Archeological and Natural
History Society has again the satisfaction of recording, on this,
the 12th anniversary of its formation, the continued prosperity of
the Society. At the same time, it has to lament the loss of an
unusual number of former members by death, withdrawal, or
removal from the county: a loss, however, which it trusts is coun-
ter-balanced by the enrolment of a long list of new names amongst
its supporters. The number of names now on the books of the
Society, amounts to 350.
“With regard to finance: A balance sheet, comprising the
accounts of several years past, has so recently been circulated
amongst the members of the Society, that it need only be remarked
that while its income is sufficient to cover the annual expenditure,
it ig not in a condition, financially, to incur any extraordinary
expense in the way of exploration, restoration, or otherwise, as it is
frequently invited to do.
“* With reference to the work of the past year, two more numbers
of the Magazine have been issued, of whose merits the Committee
must leave the members of the Society to judge. Here, how-
ever, they desire to explain that the delay which occurred in the
issue of the last number was occasioned by the loss of their pub-
lisher and printer, Mr. Bull, who had, from the first, with great
satisfaction to the Editors, conducted the Magazine through the
press, and whose son now occupies his father’s place.
“The Library and Museum have been enriched with many do-
nations, several of which are of considerable value as illustrating
the typography, antiquities, and natural history of the county.
‘‘For these, the Committee desires cordially to thank all the
contributors, and at the same time to urge on Wiltshire generally
the importance of preserving, in some central Museum, such as the
very excellent one at Salisbury, for South Wilts, and that of the
Society at Devizes, objects, of little value indeed when scattered
and in private hands, but of the highest interest when collected
and classified for purposes of observation and study.
The Eleventh General Meeting. 3
“In conclusion, the Committee very earnestly invites help from
all portions of the county in the researches and investigations it
desires to pursue, assured that while very much remains to be done
in the way of exploring what is hidden, unravelling what is com-
plicated and tangled, clearing away popular errors, and promoting
generally a more accurate knowledge of the history of our county,
as well ds the works of creation with which we are surrounded,
this can only be effectually done by the help of many: help which
the Committee trusts will not be withheld by those whose occupa-
tions, pursuits, or tastes, enable them to give assistance.”
Mr. Cunnineton begged to add one gratifying sentence to the
Report: it was to the effect that the Society had a balance in their
banker’s hands, at that moment, of £195.
The Cuarrman then put the motion to the meeting that the
Report be approved and printed; which was agreed to unanimously.
The various officers of the Society were then elected: Sir John
Wither Awdry as President for the three years ensuing. F. A.S.
Locke, Esq., as Treasurer. There were also re-elected the General
Secretaries, Rev. A. O. Smith and Mr. Cunnington: the Local
Secretaries with the additions of Rev. W. C. Plenderleath for
Calne, and Mr. E. T. Stevens for Salisbury: and the Council.
The noble Prestpent then addressed the meeting as follows :—
Ladies and Gentlemen,—This is the third and last year of my
presidency, and although one year of it has been passed without
our usual annual gathering, the pleasing recollections of our
meeting at Devizes are still fresh in my memory,and made me anxious
to call you together once more before I resign my temporary office.
It may be difficult to find objects of interest that have not been
previously visited sufficient to keep up our annual gatherings, but
I am convinced that a great deal of the interest manifested in our
Society would cease if our meetings were less frequent than alternate
years. It was this conviction which induced me to press for our
meeting this year, although the important meeting of the Archzo-
logical Institute last month in a neighbouring county, and in our
very diocese, would have afforded a better excuse for a second post-
ponement than the Social Science meeting at Bath afforded us last
A2
4 The Eleventh General Meeting.
year. Westbury and Hungerford would both afford good centres
of districts unexplored by us, and there is much yet to be investi-
gated in those places which we have visited more than once. I
had hoped in this visit to have explored some of the pit holes
supposed to be the remains of the villages of the aboriginal in-
habitants: there are many of these on the hill sides between
Pitton and Winterslow, and others at Tidpit near Martin, and near
Hanley in the Chase, which, though in Dorsetshire, are within
reach of your present centre. Then again there is the great work
of coming to some more certain conclusion as to the origin and
state of Stonehenge. It was suggested by Mr. Matcham that it
would be feasible with proper notice to get together savans from
different countries acquainted with that and similar monuments of
antiquity, and that a Stonehenge Congress should be assembled, at
which much might be done towards elucidating its history. I trust
this suggestion will not be lost sight of, for it is peculiarly within
the province of the Wiltshire Archeological Society to take the
lead in such a scheme. At one time I had hoped to gain this for
our present meeting, but the time was too short to do it effectually.
A year’s notice would not more than suffice, as the Congress should
be summoned through existing Archzological Societies in different
parts of the world, and to give effect to the different papers and dis-
cussions, some notice should be given to those who were requested
to contribute to them. It was also suggested that the assembling
of such a congress might well be commemorated by raising the
trilithon that has fallen in the memory of man, and that we should
obtain leave to search under the supposed altar stone in the hope
of elucidating the date and the object for which the structure was
raised. I at once applied as your President to Sir Edmund Autrobus
for leave to carry out these proposals, if we found it possible at so
short a notice to get the proposed Congress together, and I am
convinced that Sir Edmund must have been as much suprised as
myself, to find that his kind and courteous refusal has magnified
him into the defender of our great national monument against the
ruthless destruction of it contemplated by the Wiltshire Archzo-
logists. We should indeed be unworthy of our name if we could
|
The Eleventh General Meeting. 5
have proposed anything destructive of such a monument of anti-
quity, and I allow at once that many a so-called restoration of
Stonehenge might more truly be called a destruction of it. The
only restoration however, that we proposed was to raise the trilithon
which had fallen in A.D. 1797, the exact postion of which is clearly
defined, not only by drawings, but by accurate measurements made
at the time it occupied its original position. And as no other
fallen stones have such a data as to warrant the accuracy of their
position, the restoration must have stopped here. The search under
the altar stone might have given us valuable information as to the
date of Stonehenge, and have set at rest the mooted question as to
whether it was a place of sepulture or of sacrifice. The stone itself
need never have been moved, but a tunnel and brick arch could
have been carried under it which would have always secured it in
its present position, and the earth underneath could have been
carefully examined and replaced. There was nothing ruthless in
our proposition. The work, if ever undertaken, must necessitate
the superintendence of proficient engineers, and the use of efficient
instruments. I have thought it right in my own defence, and that
of our Society to go rather fully into this matter, and also in the
earnest wish that some day our proposal for the Congress, and for
the works referred to may be happily carried through. And now
without our Congress, and without our proposed visits to the pit
holes, or villages of our ancient people we find ourselves at Salis-
bury, with every prospect of a pleasant and instructive meeting. I
feel convinced that our reasons for coming here again will gain
the unanimous approval by our Society of the unanimous decision
of their President and Committee. And in the first place I would
refer to the present state of our Cathedral, at all times an object of
interest to Archeologists. The Chapter House Restoration Com-
mittee have just finished their labours. Only last month they
handed back the Chapter House free of debt, and completely re-
stored, to the care of the Dean and Chapter. And I think we
may without fear point to the successful accomplishment of our
labours as a worthy memorial of that holy and able man, Bishop
: ‘Denison, who began the work of restoration by restoring so much
6 The Eleventh General Meeting.
of the cloisters at his own cost. The foundation and lower stones
of the Cathedral, as well as many of the pinnacles have been well
restored under the superintendence of Mr. Scott, with monies voted
by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and to supplement this an
appeal has been made by the Bishop and Dean and Chapter to the
Diocese at large, and to all interested in our beautiful Cathedral to
aid in its entire restoration. With the monies already entrusted to the
Cathedral Restoration Committee, they have ordered the necessary
works for strengthening the lower portion of the tower. And for the
purpose of securing the efficient services of the present contractor, the
clerk of the works, and the men under his employ who have so ably
carried out the work already done, we have ordered the restoration
of a part of the west front, which I still think beautiful, notwith-
standing the severe criticisms of the Bristol Society of Architects.
(Applause.) And I trust that when the exterior is finished and
flooring and heating carried out, that much of the old interior decora-
tions, the patterns of which are still so distinctly visible, may be
effectually restored. (Aninteresting paper will be read during the
present meeting by Mr. Gambier Parry, who has so ably carried
out the painting of the roof at Ely Cathedral, begun by Mr.Lestrange,
on Architectural Colouring.) I must next draw your attention to our
Museum, founded by Dr. and Mrs. Fowler, about two years since,
and which has been so nobly assisted by Mr. Blackmore and others,
who, by additional buildings, and by handsome contributions of
most interesting objects have rendered it in a very short space of
time a Museum of which our county may indeed be proud; I would
refer you to the Museum itself, which has been kindly opened to our
members during our sojourn, and to the very ably composed descrip-
tive catalogue of its contents, which is in itself a book full of interest
and instruction. And lastly, I must mention the kind manner in
which our proposal to come here was met by the Mayor of Salisbury,
and by the whole town and neighbourhood, who have one and all
offered us free access to all things which we may wish to visit, and
by their contributions to the temporary museum, by subscriptions
to the local fund, and above all, by the self-denying labours of the
local committee (of which I may speak as being only an honorary
The Eleventh General Meeting. 7
or sleeping member), will, I am sure, convince you all that we
have done well in coming to Salisbury in 1865. Two excursions
have been plannéd—that to Stonehenge, which it is proposed to
approach in a different manner: the new route will combine
many fresh points of interest. Mr. Duke’s house at Lake,
and the interesting museum which it contains, will of itself make
this excursion a most pleasing and instructive one. On the second
day we have proposed to take you down the Chalk Valley (never
before visited by us), where Bishopstone Church and Norrington
House—one of the finest specimens of the old manor house in
Wiltshire, the beauties of which Mr. J. H. Parker, of Oxford, has
kindly undertaken to point out on the spot,—will ensure a goodly
attendance.
The noble Earl concluded his able address amidst general ap-
F plause: and then called upon Mr. Gamsrer Parry to read a paper on
Architectural Colouring; which that gentleman did to the great
satisfaction of his audience; and which valuable contribution will
be found in another part of the Magazine.
Dr. H. P. Brackmore next read a very darefally prepared and
:
q
;
instructive paper on “‘ Recent discovery of Flint Implements in the
Drift near Salisbury,” which will also be found in the Magazine.
At its conclusion the President observed that the question just
brought before the Society possessed a special interest, for at the
Museum in St. Anns Street, was to be seen a most valuable series
of these implements: moreover the subject had hitherto received
little attention from the Society: but he now trusted to hear some
remarks upon it from other parts of the room.
Mr. Cunnineton thought the members of the Society might
fairly congratulate themselves not only on the presence of so many
striking geological phenomena in that immediate neighbourhood,
but also on the fact that they had, in Dr. Blackmore, so able an
historian of facts as they occurred. (Applause.) The neighbour-
hood of Salisbury was, as Dr. Blackmore had said, one of the most
remarkable spots in this country for the discovery of the imple-
ments of ancient races of men. With one exception, the collection in
the Salisbury Museum was the finest extant. M. Boucher de Perthes
8 The Eleventh General Meeting.
was the first to direct attention to these flint implements, but he
was totally mistaken in regarding certain forms of flints as artificial,
and as representing gods, goddesses, birds, fishes, and all sorts of
animate and inanimate objects. The majority of French and
English geologists regarded those forms as purely accidental; but
the fossil implements found in this district were undoubtedly the
result of human art.. Mr. Cunnington exhibited a specimen which
had been sent him by Mr. Prestwich, labelled by the late Dr.
Woodward, of the British Museum, “Salisbury, 1846,” It was an
admirable example, but differed from all others found at Salisbury,
and he did not think that local geologists would recognise it as a
local specimen. Instead of being encrusted with a thin white, or
slightly yellow material, its original surface was preserved: there
had been no oxidation, or drying of the surface. It presented, in
fact, the appearance of having been made yesterday, by Mr.
Stevens friend, “Flint Jack.” (Laughter.) It was, however, un-
doubtedly ancient, and its original appearance might have been pre-
served through being deposited in a river. He could not pretend
to say to what age these implements belonged, but he hoped that
by working steadily on, and by listening with great care to every
word coming from Nature—by which he reverently meant God
working in nature,—something might yet be learnt to elucidate some
of the mystery of the past. (Hear, hear.) This wasa locality where
such research could be carried on better.than in any other part of
the country, and he sincerely hoped that his friends who had taken
up the matter with such zeal and ability would yet be successful in
their endeavours. (Applause.)
The Rev. E. Duxe said, that living in the neighbourhood, and
having constant opportunities of observing the course of the river in
the valley in which his own house was situated, he could not help
being struck with the peculiar formation of the various tributary val-
leys running into the main one. He thought this had an important
bearing on the question before them. If they examined an
Ordnance map, they would observe that in South Wilts all the
small valleys gently declined into the larger ones. The principal
valleys were of considerable depth, the chalk cliffs rising 60, 80,
ES
m
a
ME
The Eleventh General Meeting. 9
and even 100 feet high on either side. No one, he thought, could
feel any doubt whatever that these valleys were formed, not by
the action of the sea, but by fresh water running in one direction.
Then arose the important question, whence the immense body of
water requisite to denude, or excavate these valleys? He could
not but think that the true explanation was that suggested by Dr.
Blackmore, viz., that within the ordinary human period, there had
been a considerable change of climate in this country, and in the
north of Europe. The sudden melting of large bodies of snow and
ice would, he thought, alone account for the denudation of the
principal valley and the six or seven tributary ones between
Salisbury and his own house. The next point was this—the mel-
ting of such large bodies of snow and ice would cause a current of
such rapidity that the work of inundation would be carried on
more rapidly than it was being at present carried on by any river
in Europe. This was important as bearing upon the extreme anti-
quity of these flint implements. He believed them to be of human
handiwork, but not to be of that extreme antiquity which some
persons claimed for them. There might have been such changes
in climate, and in the conformation of land in this district, three
or four thousand years ago, as to account for the deposition of the
gravels in which these implements had been found. (Hear, hear.)
He was glad to have the opportunity of thanking Dr. Blackmore
for his paper, as well as for the valuable service he had rendered
to the neighbourhood by his contributions to the Salisbury and
South Wilts Museum. (Applause.)
The President then having briefly alluded to the order which
was to be followed, announced the morning meeting at the Council
Chamber concluded: when the majority of the party proceeded to
the Cathedral, in order to inspect that noble building: on reaching
the transepts, Earl Nelson requested Mr. Parker to describe the
_ more prominent features of the building.
Mr. Joun Henry Parker, the well-known author of the
“Glossary ” and the very able work on “ English Domestic Archi-
tecture,” standing on a stool near the organ screen said that he
had lately been devoting so much attention to the architecture of
10 The Eleventh General Meeting.
France and Rome, that he had had little time to think about
English Gothic. Still, having been familiar with it for many
years, he could not refuse to say afew words. Salisbury Cathedral
was a beautiful specimen of pure, early English Gothic—he did
not at all connect it with the Pointed style, which some people
were in the habit of describing as Gothic. He believed that Gothic
architecture was essentially English. In England we had purer
and more distinct Gothic than anywhere else. The character of
the mouldings, and the lightness of construction, were its distinctive
features, as compared with the Roman and Byzantine styles. Cir-
cumstances and convenience guided the form of arch at all times,
and an arch was therefore no guide to the age of a building. He
had lately been studying Suza’s Church, near Paris, which had
been described as a wonderful specimen of Gothic architecture,
but in reality it was not so. As to Salisbury Cathedral, there was
not a vestige of the Romanesque about it anywhere. The stone
vault was not necessarily a Gothic feature. Lightness, elegance,
rich moulding, and clustered columns were its essential features.
Almost every stone in Salisbury Cathedral was an example of our
own national style. He thought that, on the whole, Mr. Wyatt
was to be thanked for his alterations. In some respects he was
wrong in principle, and he (Mr. Parker), would like to have collared
him for much that he did, but still it must be confessed that he had
left a complete unity of style in the building, which was not to be
found anywhere else. The Cathedral was built towards the second _
quarter of the 13th century. There were earlier examples, but it
was during the peaceful reign of Henry II. that the Gothic style
was developed; and afterwards perfected in this country, at the
end of the 12th century. The Choir of Lincoln built between
1192 and 1200, he believed to be the earliest Gothic building in
Europe, and this style is not oriental: it belongs exclusively to
Western Europe. The ornaments and sculpture introduced from
Syria by the Crusaders on their return, came into general use about
the middle of the 12th century, and they may have introduced the
Pointed arch, but not the Gothic style, the details of which are
quite distinct from any other. No doubt the windows of Salisbury
~—
The Eleventh General Meeting. 11
Cathedral were originally filled with painted glass, and its des-
truction or removal was greatly to be lamented. He trusted,
however, that the time was close at hand when it would be restored,
together with the colouring of other parts of the building. Colour
was essential to every Gothic structure. In an edifice like that,
there ought to be colour on the floor, walls, windows, roof, and
indeed everywhere. The best medieval restorations yet accom-
plished were the Chapter Houses of Salisbury and Chester.
At the close of Mr. Parker’s observations, the company left the
Nave and proceeded through the cloisters to the Chapter House.
There, Mr. Parker said, they saw everything as perfect as possible,
in the way of colouring and decoration. The Chapter House at
Chester was the only restoration equal to it, and that was done by
the same clever man, Mr. Hudson. Those who remembered the
Chapter House at Salisbury 20 years ago must be struck with
amazement that so much had been done, and done so admirably.
¢. As to the clustered column in the centre, with its marble shafts, he
_ did not see a fault to find with it. The stained glass, too, was
_ peculiarly English, and adapted to our cloudy climate. The thick
_ giass of France and other countries would have been inconsistent.
The figures, they would observe were of an aérial character—merely
in outline—which was characteristic of no other kind of glass. As
to the colouring of the vault, he had no doubt that it was strictly
_ in accordance with its original character. It was more simple than
_ the French vaults, and he had no doubt that all Mr. Hudson’s
work had been carefully studied. Taking it as a whole, he had
never seen anything more conscientiously or better done.
Earl Netson remarked that Mr. Hudson visited the place many
years ago, as a lover of painted architecture, and took copies of
many things which became obliterated before the restoration was
commenced. It was from those drawings alone that they were able
to identify them. He wished to ask Mr. Parker’s opinion ona
_ statement made by a Society of Bristol architects depreciating the
west front of the Cathedral, as well as the design of the Chapter
_ House, saying that the outside was the weakest part of the struc-
ture, the buttresses being very poor.
12 The Eleventh General Meeting.
Mr. Parxer said there was a certain degree of truth in their
statements on the latter subject, and he himself was somewhat
surprised at the courage displayed in removing the iron bars which
formerly connected the upper portion of the central column of the
Chapter house with the walls. In many foreign countries they
were very common, particularly in Italy. He could not help
thinking that it was intended to have had iron bars here, even from
the first. It was a bold, but, it appeared, a suceessful stroke, to re-
move them. Any injurious effect would have been felt in six months.
The Rev. Precentor Lear said the bars appeared to have been
added about the middle of the 17th century, but there were hooks
in the original pillar, made to receive bars at any time. Before
the bars were removed, Mr. Clutton, the architect, took the pre-
caution to double the abutments, as throwing greater weight on
the outside.
Mr. Parker said, begging Mr. Clutton’s pardon, he thought
that a mistake. The buttresses were a part of the original building,
and should not have been altered. He did not like any alteration
of design.
Dr. ALEXANDER asked whether bars were not used in Italy, to
protect buildings from the effects of volcanic action ?
Mr. Parker: Partly so, but the arches are very wide.
The Rev. Precentor Lear said the top of the old central column,
with one of the bars and hooks left, would be found in the south-
west angle of the cloister. -
Mr. Gamsier Parry, on being called for, also made a few
observations. His only matter of regret was that sufficient means
had not been taken to protect the new work on the walls from damp.
Mere slate and cement over a foundation were not sufficient at any
time. One great point, in protecting wall painting, was to get a
draught behindit. Ifsuch a plan had been adopted here, they would
not have seen the ruin that was already visible. He agreed with Mr.
Parker as to the extreme delicacy of the colouring, but he thought
that a little more vigour and courage in some parts would have
given a better finish to the work.
The company then visited the cloisters, and passed thence round
The Eleventh General Meeting. 13
to the west front, the more prominent features of which were
pointed out and described by Mr. Parker, who evidently did not
agree with many of the criticisms of the Bristol architects.
THE DINNER.
The Society’s dinner took place at the Assembly Rooms, and
was attended by no less than 140 ladies and gentlemen, by far the
largest party ever assembled under the auspices of the Society.
The chair was occupied by the President, Earl Nelson.
After the usual and loyal toasts, the BisHor in acknowledging
the health of the Bishop and Clergy observed that the objects
which this Society had in view were especially dear to his clergy
and himself, who had the custody of our old churches, and of this
noble Cathedral, which carried them back to the days of St. Osmond ;
and he was delighted to know that so much interest was felt in
_ Wiltshire in this very important subject.
‘The Prestpent then gave the health of the Lord Lieutenant and
_ Magistrates of the County, singling out his venerable friend Mr.
_ Matcham whose presence was always hailed with delight by the
_ Archeologists and who generally accompanied them in all their
-peregrinations. With Mr. Matcham he believed originated the
idea of a “Stonehenge Congress,” and he hoped that this Society
would ere long be the means of carrying it into effect.
_ Mr. Marcuam in returning thanks, expressed a hope that there
_ would some day be a meeting of English, Irish, Welsh, and French
_ Archzologists at Stonehenge.
_ The noble Cuatrman then gave the health of the County and
4 Borough Members: and Mr. Grove, M.P. for South Wilts; Mr.
Hamilton, M.P. for Salisbury ; and Mr. Goldney, M.P. for Chippen-
ham, returned thanks.
_ The company then enthusiastically acknowledged the health of
_ the noble Chairman, who in responding to the toast testified to the
sympathy which the inhabitants of Salisbury generally had with
“subjects connected with archeology, and proposed the health of the
‘Mayor and Corporation of the city, with thanks to them for the
Cordial manner in which the Society had been received
oo) ES PRS a 5 ee eS ee
14 The Eleventh General Meeting.
The Mayor of Salisbury in returning thanks, said it was highly
gratifying to himself and the citizens generally to find that Salis-
bury had been selected as the place of the Society’s meeting, arid
he hoped that the endeavours which had been made to render the
gathering an agreeable and successful one, had not been altogether
in vain. While proud of the distinction shown them, the citizens
of Salisbury entertained no feelings of jealousy towards their
friends in the north, and whether they assembled at Devizes or at
Salisbury, he himself should always feel a pleasure in meeting the
members of the Wilts Archeological Society. (Applause.) There
were many objects of interest in and around Salisbury, and if they
could not inspect all of them now, perhaps they might be induced
to pay the city another visit on a future occasion. He hoped, also,
that something would soon be done to bring about the proposed
“Stonehenge Congress.” (Applause.)
The Prestpent then gave the health of the visitors, many of
whom he was glad to welcome amongst us, and to some of whom
we were much indebted for valuable information contributed to
day; he more especially alluded to Mr. Gambier Parry and Mr.
Parker: who severally returned thanks. In the course of his
speech Mr. Parker remarked that he had a great affection for these
local Archeological Societies, because he believed they were doing
an immense service throughout the country. They tended to
preservation and not to destruction; and he hoped the nobility
and gentry would yet do more than they had done to preserve the
old manor houses of the country. Those old houses were more
interesting in an archeological point of view than even our old
churches, because the latter were far more numerous. (Hear,
hear.) Archeology was history written in stone, and he rejoiced
to know that he had had something to do with the formation and
promotion of Archeological Societies. The Oxford Architectural
Society, the members of which met at his house, was, perhaps the
first Society of the kind. This was copied by Cambridge a few
months afterwards ,and from both Oxford and Cambridge the idea
was carried home by the youth of different counties. Such So-
cieties were highly important. Descriptive books were exceedingly
The Eleventh General Meeting. 15
useful in their way, but persons must see objects themselves, in
order to understand them properly.
The noble Cuairman then gave the health of the General
Secretaries, the Rev. A. OC. Smith, and Mr. Cunnington, who
severally returned thanks.
The health of the Local Secretaries was next proposed, and
received with enthusiasm; Mr, Swayne, Mr. Nightingale, and
Mr. Stevens, in turn responded ; and the latter, to whose exertions
the success of the present meeting was universally acknowledged
to be due, referred with satisfaction to the readiness with which
everybody seconded his efforts, and to the hospitality offered on all
sides to the members of the Society.
The health of the Local Committee followed, and the Curators
of the Museum, coupled with the name of Mr. Charles Wyndham,
who returned thanks.
CONVERSAZIONE AT THE PALACE.
By the kind invitation of the Bishop, the members of the
Society and their friends, to the number of about 200, assembled
at the Palace, where they were most hospitably received by his
Lordship, and Mrs. Hamilton. The chair was taken by the noble
President, Earl Nelson, who introduced the various lecturers; and
the pleasures of the evening were very much enhanced by the
addition of some charming glees, which were admirably sung by
_ amateurs, ladies and gentlemen, who had very kindly volunteered
_ their services for the occasion. .
_ The Rev. A. C. Smrru read a paper on “ the method of moving
Colossal Stones, as practised by some of the more advanced nations
of antiquity,” wherein he referred more especially to the practice
pursued by the Assyrians and Egyptians as proved by the bas-
reliefs found by Mr. Layard and Sir Gardner Wilkinson ; he also
called attention to the Obelisks of Egypt, and the huge stones at
Baalbeck which he had personally examined and measured in the
‘spring of the present year. As however this paper will appear
in a subsequent portion of the Magazine it is unnecessary to refer
to it further.
16 The Eleventh General Meeting.
Mr. Cunnineton F.G.S. next read a paper on “ the Geology of
the Stones of Stonehenge,” in which he first pointed out the
many erroneous statements which had been made on this subject,
some having described the stones as foreign marble resembling that
of Carrara: others as formed of artificial matter, moulded to the ori-
ginal forms ; and others again as a species of coarse freestone. These
various statements having been satisfactorily refuted, he proceeded
to explain that the owter circle and the large Trilithons at Stone-
henge as well as the whole of the circles at Avebury, were composed
of sarsen stones: the sarsens found so abundantly in Wiltshire,
more especially in the Clatford valley of North Wilts, being the
remains of sandy strata once lying above the chalk, the softer por-
tions of which have been washed away, leaving these rocky masses
on the surface. He then referred to the smaller circle and inner
oval, and pronounced all these stones to be primary igneous
rocks and of foreign origin, the altar stone is a fine-grained
micaceous sandstone. From the facts adduced, Mr. Cunnington
argued that Stonehenge was not originally erected either as a
sepulchral monument, or as an astronomical calendar. This paper
will however be found in ewtenso in the Magazine, and need not
therefore be anticipated here.
The Rev. H. T. Arnmrretp then read a paper on ‘“ The Druids,”
written by Dr. Bushnan of Laverstock: wherein that gentleman,
though he recognized in the feelings and habits of the Druids
some traces of solemn truth, at the same time adopted the view
that they sometimes offered human sacrifices: and that this was no
uncommon practice in early times, he referred to the example of
the Phenicians, Gauls, and others. Dr. Bushnan also contended
that the statements of ancient authors regarding the pre-Roman
inhabitants of Britain, are not to be hastily rejected as wholly
unworthy of credit, but at any rate deserve careful attention and
study.
Earl Netson now thanked all the gentlemen for their instructive
and interesting papers; and also paid a graceful tribute of grati-
tude to the amateurs who had so materially contributed to the
harmony of the evening, and then taking leave of the kind and |
The Eleventh General Meeting. 17
hospitable Bishop, the company, though with evident reluctance,
withdrew. .
SECOND DAY. THURSDAY, Szrr. 14ru.
The members of the Society, to the number of about 150, made
an excursion to Old Sarum, Stratford Church, Woodford Church,
Great Durnford Church, Ogbury Camp, Lake House, and thence
to Stonehenge. At Old Sarum, Mr. Swayne, one of the able Local
Secretaries, pointed out all that was of interest to the archzologist,
calling attention to the massive remains in that commanding spot ;
explaining the course of the Roman roads which branched off from
* the ancient city; showing the position of the Tournament ground ;
and examining the site of the Old Cathedral, of which though no
remains exist, the form and position are sufficiently indicated to
leave no doubt in the mind of the visitor, that here stood the
original Cathedral of Sarum. Thence the party proceeded by
_ Stratford Church, where the quaint old frame for the hour glass,
_ affixed to the side of the pulpit, attracted attention: thence by
Woodford Church, where a fine old Norman arch at the southern
porch, and an old monument were the subjects of considerable
discussion: then by the grounds of Heale House, famous as the
spot where Charles II. was secreted for several days during his
flight after the battle of Worcester: then by the very interesting
- church of Great Durnford, where the Norman Font in remarkable
_ preservation, the very perfect Norman chancel arch, and other
arches in the church, as well as several architectural details and a
curious old brass (dated 1670), attracted much attention. Thence
_ the excursionists climbed the hill to visit Ogbury Camp, and after-
_ wards crossed the Avon to Lake House, where they were hospitably
received and cordially welcomed by the Rev. E. Duke, who had
fitted up his hall as a temporary Museum for the inspection of the
members of the Society. Amongst very many objects of deep
interest to archeologists, doubly interesting because nearly all of
them had been exhumed from the Lake estate, may be mentioned
some remarkably perfect cinerary urns, of the Celtic period: also
bone pins; fragments of cloth which had been used to enwrap the
VOL. X.—NO. XXVIII. B
18 The Eleventh General Meeting.
burned bones when placed in the urn; amber ornaments; bronze
dagger blades; jet, agate, and amber beads; pully beads; gold ear-
rings; flint arrow heads; bronze torques, armille, and rings; and
bronze and stone celts. One amber ornament found in a tumulus
at Lake, in 1806, is probably unique in size, whilst four unique
objects of polished bone also found in a tumulus at Lake, were con-
sidered by Sir R. C. Hoare as “the greatest curiosities we have
ever yet discovered:” they were probably used for casting lots or
for playing some game. There was also a mould for casting bronze
celts, made of a compact syenite, which was found in the parish of
Bulford, near Amesbury. The collection was very large, and included
many curious and rare articles too numerous to be particularised.
On taking leave of this charming spot, nestled like an Oasis in
the downs, and bidding adieu to the kind-hearted proprietor, the
party proceeded over the Normanton down to Stonehenge:
here a ladder was reared against the highest impost, and several
persons ascended the trilithon above, for the purpose of ex-
amination and measurement: after which on the suggestion of
Earl Nelson, Dr. Thurnam came forward, and gave a general
outline of the principal features of Stonehenge. He remarked, at
considerable length, on what had been the probable use of Stone-
henge, the date of the structure, and the mode of its construction.
He gave a most interesting account of what was known respecting
the stones, and the various changes which had taken place within
the memory of man. In reference to the projeeted raising of the
trilithon and altar-stone, which he said had been suggested by the
British Association, and which had brought their society into so
much notoriety within the last few months, he was of opinion that
it might have been done without endangering the structure in the
least. If they had placed the matter in the hands of competent
engineers, he was of opinion that the altar-stone might have been
undermined, in the way suggested by the chairman in his opening
address, and been the means of eliciting much valuable information
without endangering its safety. He referred briefly to the differ-
ent excavations that had been made, and stated that he had heard
that when the present Mr. E. Antrobus, M.P. came of age, an
The Eleventh General Meeting. 19
officer of the name of Beamish made an excavation under the stones,
and deposited a bottle containing a report of the fact, With
regard to the “L.V. and sickle” which were cut upon the fallen
trilithon, Docter Thurnam acknowledged that the matter had been
satisfactorily cleared up by the exertions of Mr. Kemm and Mr.
Zillwood, of Amesbury, who had ascertained that the figures had
been cut by a travelling mason.! It was very satisfactory that the
matter had been so cleared up. He then proceeded to read an
extract of the report of the meeting of the Archeological Institute
of Great Britain and Ireland in 1849, as showing what were the
feelings at that time with regard to the raising of the stones :—
“The Right Hon. Sidney Herbert begged to remind the meeting
that that proposition (the raising of the fallen trilithon) involved
no incongruous addition to, or alteration of the temple. The stones
had fallen in the memory of man, and they would be re-erected
precisely in their former position in a spirit of reverent regard
for their antiquity. For the sake of posterity he was deeply
desirous of taking every precaution to preserve that-august relic
of the past in its integrity and simplicity.—The Bishop of Oxford
likewise gave the weight of his opinion in favor of the restoration;
_ and Sir John Awdry assured the assemblage that the proposal met
with the entire concurrence of Sir Edmund Antrobus, who had
moreover, liberally offered to raise the stones. The question was
put to a show of hands, and carried by acclamation.”
The doctor’s interesting explanation was listened to with great
| interest, and he was frequently applauded.
After a few observations from Mr. Cunnineton,
Mr. Parker was called upon. He said there was one branch of
a the subject which the doctor had not referred to, and which he
thought the assemblage would be interested in. In the Oriental
language a circle of stones was called a Gilgal, and in Scripture
_ there was every reason to believe that such a place was a circle of
| stones. A Gilgal was a temple where holy rites were celebrated,
where the army met together, and was also used for a place of
eerial for the chieftains, and if they put all things together, and
Vide Wiltshire Magazine, vol, ix., p. 268, et seq.
B 2
20 The Eleventh General Meeting.
took into consideration that the Celtic tribes were sprung from
Oriental origin, it was clear that Stonehenge was a Gilgal, and
was erected for the purpose of celebrating holy rites, a place where
the army met, and where the chieftains were buried. They might,
therefore, ca]l it a burial place, or a House of Commons.
Mr. Zitiwoop, of Salisbury, made some original remarks, which
were received with considerable attention. He begged to call the
attention of those present to a stone in the temple, about which a
great deal had been said, and various theories advanced as to its
original position, and its uses. He alluded to the stone now
lying partially underneath the fallen stone of the inner circle, and
which had on its upper side two mortise holes, similar to those in
the upper stones of the trilithons. He thought that this stone
could not have been one of the corona of the outer circle, as it
was of a different kind of stone from those which composed the
corona, and besides it was too short, and the holes were too close
together for such a purpose. He knew it had been suggested that
this stone formed the top stone of one of two small trilithons,
which were supposed to stand within the inner circle, and between
it and the large trilithon composing the cell; but if they looked
they would perceive that such could not be the case, as there was
not sufficient room for it. He agreed with Inigo Jones (who
visited this temple), when he said there were only six trilithons in
the cell, although he altered their position to favour his own hypo-
thesis of its being a Roman temple and erected on the bases of
four triangles. Although Jones was wrong as to the position, he
believed he was right as to the number. He thought that this
stone was one of the small trilithons which stood opposite the
highest trilithon, and just within the inner circle at the entrance,
and that before it lay the altar-stone, or stone of observation, which
Aubrey states was removed from the inside of the temple to St.
James’s. He (Mr. Zillwood) might be asked what had been the
use of this stone. He thought this small trilithon, with the stone
lying before it, which was taken away, was used for a similar pur-
pose, as was the large trilithon with the stone lying before it. He
conceived that as the Arch-Druid stood on the stone lying before
the high trilithon to observe the sun rise at the Summer Solstice,
The Eleventh General Meeting. 21
over the gnomon (now called the Friar’s Heel), and as that stone
was of a light colour, being emblematical of the light about to be
diffused over the earth; in the same way he would stand before the
small trilithon, to observe the setting of the sun at the Winter
Solstice, and the small trilithon being dark, it was emblematical of
the darkness about to be spread over the earth. The highest trili-
thons might represent the length of the days in summer, and the
small trilithons, the length of the days in the winter season. If
they took the corona of the outer circle to represent the equator,
and drew a line from the top of the highest trilithon to the lowest,
it would cut at the same angle as the ecliptic does the equator.
Might not then these six trilithons, with their six spaces, represent
the sun’s places during the twelve months of his revolution, and the
thirty upright stones, with their spaces of the outer circle, repre-
sent the thirty days and nights of the month. In the same way
the twelve upright stones, composing these six trilithons, might
represent the twelve months of the year.”
After dinner which was served in a tent, and to which the
appetites of the excursionists, sharpened by their mornings work
and the fine air of the downs, inclined them to do full justice;
some of the more enthusiastic set off, at about half-past five o’clock,
to visit the Cursus or Race-course, which lies at about half a mile
to the North of Stonehenge, and is enclosed between two parallel
banks and ditches, running east and west. An oblong elevated
mound is thrown across the east end of the course, resembling a
_ long barrow, which Dr. Thurnam, who was at the head of the
_ party, explained was supposed to be the seat of honour, where the
judges, or umpires, and the principal spectators witnessed the com-
‘petitions of horse racing, chariot racing, and the solemnities which
attended the celebration of the ancient festivals. After a short
delay here, the party returned, and the whole of the excursionists
set off towards Salisbury, at which place they arrived at about half-
_ past seven o’clock.
CONVERSAZIONE AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
_ By the liberality of the Mayor, a very large number of ladies
and. gentlemen attended a Conversazione at the Council Chamber
22 The Eleventh General Meeting.
in which they began to assemble at eight o’clock : all were welcomed
on entering by the Mayor, who had a kind word of greeting
for everybody; and who most hospitably supplied his numerous
guests with suitable refreshments. Earl Nelson took the chair as
President, and introduced the several lecturers: and the amateurs
again enlivened the company with glees, which were admirably
sung, and formed a most delightful interlude amidst the heavier
work of the Society.
The Rey. A. C. Smrru read a paper “On certain peculiarities in
the life history of the Cuckoo, more especially with reference to
the colouring of its Eggs:” in which he began by refuting many
of the fallacies which prevailed respecting this bird: then gave a
general outline of its true habits: and brought before the Society
at some length the remarkable discovery of the eminent German
ornithologist, Dr. Baldamus, that the female cuckoo colours its
eggs so as to resemble those of the birds in whose nests she de-
posits them. The argument is #00 elaborate to be given here in
outline, but the paper will appear in a subsequent number of the
Magazine.
At its conclusion, Earl Netson conveyed -the thanks of the
company to the Rey. A. C. Smith for his very interesting and
instructive paper.
The Rey. W. C. PLenpEeRLEATH next read a paper, written by
the Rev. W. H. Jones, F.A.S., on “ Gleanings from the Wiltshire
Domesday,” the principal object of which was to prove that the
names of most of the places on the borders of the county are the
same as those which were given in the Domesday Book of the L1th
century. A variety of instances were cited in support of the con-
clusions of the writer; but as the paper will be published in the
Magazine, it is needless to enter into it more fully.
Earl Newson said that the thanks of the meeting were due to
Mr. Jones, and also to Mr. Plenderleath who had kindly yolun-
teered to read the paper.
Dr. THurnam then read a paper on “Flint Blades of weapons
found in Tumuli,” and produced several very beautiful specimens
which he had found in barrows opened by himself, which belonged
to the late stone age, and which he placed at from 500 to 1000
The Eleventh General Meeting. 23
years before the Christian era. In 1860, he opened a long barrow
at Walker’s Hill, in North Wilts, and in the débris in the chamber
he picked up a flint arrow head, an inch and a half long, and
about one-tenth of an inch in thickness. In May, 1865, he was
present at the opening of a long barrow at Fifield Hill, near Pew-
sey, called the Giant’s Grave. This was a very large barrow, and
with the remains of human beings he found a beautiful leaf-shaped
arrow-head, two and two-tenth inches long, and one inch in breadth.
From these specimens and from those which had been found in
other counties in England, he was disposed to conclude that in
these long barrows was found a particular class of arrow-heads,
and that they were the oldest sepulchral tumuli in this country.
4 He next produced two flint javelin heads. These he stated, were
_ found in an oval barrow on Winterbourne Stoke Down, 1864. He
then alluded to the particular formation of the oval tumuli, which
embraced two or three round barrows within an oval ditch. In
the one referred to were found.in one part a skeleton, and a small
drinking cup; and in another part, a tall skeleton, upwards of six
feet high, doubled up, and four beautifully shaped flint arrow-heads.
He believed that these were the work of the ancient Britons, and
were used by them for warlike purposes.
| Earl Newson conveyed the thanks of the company to Dr.
_ Thurnam for his very interesting paper.
The Rev. Prebendary Witxk1nson proposed a vote of thanks to
the Rev. Canon Jackson for his very valuable services during the
time he had held the office of Honorary Secretary of the Society.
He regretted to hear of his retirement from that post, and spoke
highly of his exertions in connection with the Society. With
regard to his writings, “Jackson on Aubrey” must of necessity
lay the foundation for a future history of the county.
Earl Netson, in the name of the members, begged to thank the
Bishop and the Mayor for the handsome way in which they had
_ been received in this city.
_ The Rev. A. C. Smirx said that Earl Nelson’s three years of
office as President of the Society would terminate at the close of
this meeting, and he begged to propose a vote of thanks to his
Se
24 The Eleventh General Meeting.
lordship for the manner in which he had discharged his duties.
The Society had been exceedingly” fortunate in its Presidents.
They had, first, Mr. Poulett Scrope; secondly, they had the late
Lord Herbert of Lea, then Mr. Sidney Herbert ; thirdly, they had
Mr. Sotheron Estcourt; and now Earl Nelson had just completed
his term. He was quite sure they would all thank the noble lord
for what he had done. ;
Earl Netson returned thanks, and expressed a hope that the
Society might increase more and more. He trusted the members
would not lose sight of a congress at Stonehenge, and that the
trilithon, which had fallen within the memory of man, might be
restored.
Mr. Cunnineton proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. E. T. Stevens
for his great labours in connection with the meeting. In fact, he
said it might truly be called Mr. Stevens’s meeting.
Mr. E. T. Srevens returned thanks, and acknowledged the
assistance which he had received from the curators of the temporary
museum. A
After hearing several glees sung by the amateurs, the company
retired, highly pleased with a most agreeable entertainment, and
deeply grateful to the Mayor for his hospitality, cordiality, and
urbanity.
THIRD DAY. FRIDAY, Serr. loru,
Again a large party of archeologists, no less numerous than in
yesterday’s expedition, proceeded on an excursion to the Chalk
Valley; with the same magnificent weather which has attended
them throughout, and with a very long days work before them.
They first visited the Hospital of St. Nicholas, at Harnham,
which was founded, under the auspices of Bishop Poore, by Ela,
Countess of Salisbury. It now supports a number of poor men
and women, a chaplain, and master. The chaplain’s apartments
and the adjoining chapel are formed out of part of the southern
aisle of the ancient church of St. Nicholas, some of the arches of
which remain. The visitors inspected this chapel, which is early
English in character, and which was restored by Butterfield, a few
The Eleventh General Meeting. 25
years ago. The party then visited the church of Coombe Bissett,
which contains some very interesting specimens of Norman archi-
tecture.
On leaving Coombe, the archzxologists proceeded to Bishopston,
where they were most hospitably received by the Rev. Precentor
and Mrs. Lear, who had kindly provided refreshments for them,
and who had a cordial welcome for all. Much gratification was
expressed at the fine view of the church obtained from the charm-
ing grounds of the rectory, which are most tastefully laid out.
The variety of the outline, and the exquisite proportion and tracery
of the windows, as seen from this spot, afford a rare example of
ecclesiastical taste and munificence. We know of no finer church
than Bishopston, in any part of South Wilts.
The Rey. Presentor Lear having expressed his gratification at
seeing so many visitors present that day, and having welcomed them
heartily to Bishopstone, read a paper which he had prepared upon
this remarkabie Church, wherein he called attention to its principal
features, and inyited the careful examination of the Archzologists.
This interesting paper will be found in another portion of the Mag-
azine. At its conclusion, the party repaired to the Church, and
the chief objects of interest were pointed out: its cruciform shape ;
its highly decorated windows; its pulpit with a wood carving
bronzed, brought from Spain; its Chancel, with wood carvings and
communion plate; and above all, the singular building attached
to the outside of the South Transept.
Mr. J. H. Parxer, who was called for, said a few words res-
pecting the edifice. It wasa good specimen of the architecture of the
q time of Edward III. He considered that the portion attached to the
southern exterior of the south transept was a chapel, erected to the
memory of some person of importance who was connected with the
church. The chancel was a really beautiful specimen of the
architecture of the period, and the canopies of the sedilia were most
unique in design, and resembled one at Dorchester, in Oxfordshire.
__ The whole church was a most valuable specimen of the architecture
of the 14th century, and had been well preserved. While he was
_ addressing the members of the Wiltshire Archeological Society, he
26 The Eleventh General Meeting.
would suggest to them the propriety of employing good photo-
graphers, to take views of all the most interesting objects of antiquity
in the county. He should like to see other societies follow the
same example, as by exchanging these photographic views, a great
amount of antiquarian and archeological knowledge might be
obtained. At present the information on such subjects was locked
up in the local archeological journals, which no one ever saw out
of their own county. They had a remarkable instance of the want
of good photographs of such objects of interest in the church in
which they were then assembled. For himself, he would travel
fifty miles at any time to see such a valuable specimen of the best
period of our ecclesiastical architecture. There could be no doubt
that there were many other equally beautiful churches in this
county, of the merits of which the public were profoundly ignorant.
For himself, he wished that the beauties of: Wilts might become
known to all England.
Mr. G. Marcuam said that if the church was built as late as
the time of Richard II. it might probably have been erected by
William of Wykeham, as the bishops of Winchester were lords of
the manor.
Mr. Parker said that he was clearly of opinion that the archi-
tecture was of the time of Edward III. He also observed that, if
William of Wykeham built this church, it must have been when
he was very young; as he was supposed to have introduced the
Perpendicular style, and he certainly could find no vestige of that
style in this edifice. The architecture was clearly that of the
middle of the 14th century. The church was not later than the
year 1360.
Mr. Martcuam suggested that in out-of-the-way places the old
style of architecture sometimes lingered after a new style came in,
just as old fashions prevail in the provinces long after new fashions
had been adopted in London.
Mr. ParKER was quite aware that in some parts of Wilts and
Somerset the old styles of architecture lingered for some time after
new styles had been adopted. William of Wykeham, as the in-
ventor of a new style, was least likely to have worked in the style
The Eleventh General Meeting. 27
of his fathers. He was of opinion that the west window was of
the same date as the rest of the building. The vault of the chancel
was late Decorated or early Perpendicular. He thought that some
wealthy family built the church by degrees.
Before the party left the Rectory, Earl Netson proposed a vote
of thanks to the Rey. Precentor Lear, for providing such an
agreeable repast for the members.
This proposition was unanimously agreed to, and was acknow-
ledged by the Rev. gentleman.
The party then left Bishopston and drove to Broad Chalk, where
they were received by the Rey. Dr. Rowland Williams, who in-
vited the archeologists into his schodlroom, and gave a very
interesting lecture on the most striking objects they would meet
with in the valley of the Chalk. He observed that he considered
it to be a great honour to be permitted to address so learned a
body. The oldest thing which they would meet with in this parish was
that wonderful production of nature, the chalk; while in Bower
Chalk they wonld meet with something older still, viz., the green
sand. He touched upon the natural productions of the chalk
valley, and then noticed the little river which flowed through it,
the Ebele, tracing its progress through the vale. It rises in Ber-
wick, takes its course by Norrington through Ebblesbourne, or Eb-
besbourne, and proceeds through the vale of Stratford Tony, Coombe
Bissett, Homington, and Odstock, until it falls into the Avon
near Harnham. There is a spring rising at Knoyle Farm, in the
parish of Broad Chalk, which shortly afterwards assumes the
character of a rivulet, and then falls into the Chalk, or Ebele, water.
But for this tributary stream the Chalk water would, in a dry sea-
son cease to flow. The structure of the valley was in favour of
those geologists who hold what are called the water theories, as it
appears to have been gradually hollowed out by the action of water.
The Roman road from Old Sarum, or Sorbiodunum, passed through
the vale of the Chalk to Dorchester. He thought it highly proba-
ble that part of this road was originally an old British trackway.
And while on this subject he pointed out the singular fact that
most of the great trunk railways of this kingdom took the direction
28 The Eleventh General Meeting.
of the lines of the old Roman roads; thus showing the foresight
displayed by the ancient conquerors of England in taking the same
routes as were now required by the necessities of modern commer-
cial enterprise. He then observed that portions of the Bokerly
Dyke and Grimsditch passed throngh this district. Vern Ditch
was next referred to, aa forming part of Cranborne Chace, and
some particulars connected with its disforesting were related. The
owners of Cranborne Chace contended that it was in length from
20 to 25 miles, and in breadth from 15 to 20 miles, making a
circuit of nearly 100 miles, extending from Harnham Bridge, by
the edge of Wilton, westward, by the river Nadder, thence south-
ward to Shaftesbury, and to the banks of the Stour, near Stur-
minster, thence to Blandford, following the Stour near Wimborne,
then by Ringwood Bridge, Fordingbridge, and Downton, to
Harnham Bridge, including a very large portion of the county of
Dorset, no inconsiderable portion of the counties of Wilts and
Hants, and the whole of the land within the Hundred ef Chalk.
On the other hand it was contended by those who thought that
these extensive boundaries were usurpations on the rights of the
owners and occupiers of lands in Wiltshire and Hampshire, that
the utmost extent of the Chase could not exceed the bounds of the
county of Dorset. Throughout a long period of history the
extensive rights claimed by the owners of Cranborne Chase, were
objected to. In the 7th year of Edward I., an inquisition was
taken, when it was found that the Chase did not belong to Wilts.
Other instances were mentioned as showing the struggles which
had been made in former days to prevent the operation of the
forest laws in this part of Wiltshire. Somewhere about the years
1813 or 1814, Lord Rivers, the owner of the Chase, attempted to
put the ancient forest laws in force. It was asserted that Cran-
borne Chase, though called a chase, was in truth a forest, and that
it had all the rights that could belong to a forest attached to it;
in consequence of which, in one part of the chase the inclosures
which had been made on Pimperne Down, with fences no higher
than those which a rabbit could easily have leapt over, were broken
down. In the neighbourhood of Chalk, too, notices were given to
The Eleventh General Meeting. 29
persons not to plough up any of their down land; and one person,
who, notwithstanding the notices, had the courage to do so, was
immediately served with a law process for his alleged breach of
the chase and forest law. In an instance where a deer had escaped
into Wardour Park, the sanctity of the retreat was broken into,
and a pack of bloodhounds, without the permission of Lord
_ Arundell, was turned into the park, who started the game and
} killed it on the spot. In the year 1814, Mr. Thomas King, a
farmer living near Alvediston, determined to try what were the
| actual bounds of Cranborne Chase, and what were the real chase
1 rights. As the tenant of Norrington Farm, on which was a certain
down where deer were feeding, he turned in greyhounds to drive
them away, on which an action was commenced against him by
_ Lord Rivers for breaking and entering Cranborne Chase. This
cause was tried at Salisbury in the year 1816, when the jury found
a verdict in favour of the defendant. By that verdict a death-blow
_ was given to the intended revival of the obsolete forest laws, and a
_ way was opened to the total abolition of the rights of the chase
since so happily effected. Dr. Williams then pointed out, at some
length, the important social changes which had followed the dis-
_ foresting of Cranborne Chase, which had been productive of a great
improvement in the character of the rural population of the dis-
trict. He then alluded to the circumstance of the eccentric John
_ Aubrey having resided at one period of his life at Broad Chalk,
and mentioned several facts connected with this writer, of whom,
although he had some strange peculiarities, he desired to make
respectful mention. Dr. Williams then gave a description of the
_ church, which is dedicated to All Saints, the living being in the
gift of King’s College, Cambridge. Mr. Bowles, in his ‘“ History
of Broad Chalk,” says that the church is a pure specimen of the
architecture of Henry the Eighth’s time, at least so much of it as
_ extends from the western door to the chancel, including the tran-
' sept or cross aisle. He (Dr. Williams) was, however, of opinion.
_ that this parish church was of older date, and was probably built
in the early part of the 15th century, somewhere about 1410.
consisted of a nave, chancel, and transepts. There was a large
30 The Eleventh General Meeting.
porch on the south side, over which was formerly a priest’s cham-
ber. The south transept was comparatively modern. The general
effect of the chancel was good, and it appeared originally to have
been older than the rest of the church. After many other obser-
vations on this subject, Dr. Williams observed that the archzolo-
gists in the excursion that day would pass by the church of Bower
Chalk, and remarked that the village took its name from a cor-
ruption of Burgh Chalk, it having been for many years the
property of a family named Burgh. They would also pass by the
village of Fifield Bavant, in which was one of the smallest churches
in England. This place was so called in consequence of a family
named Bavant once holding the lands. The parish derived its
earliest name from having contained during the Saxon dynasty
five hides (or fields) of land. After leaving this place the excur-
sionists would next come to Ebbesborne, which derived its name
from its situation in the bourne on the banks of the river Ebele.
They would then pass by Alvediston, and thence to Norrington
House, which would, no doubt, be explained to them. In allusion
to the village of Berwick St. John, through which they would
pass, he stated that the Rev. John Gane, by his will dated 1735,
left a tenement and garden, on condition that the great bell of the
parish church should be rung for a quarter of an hour at eight
o’clock, every night from the 10th of September to the 10th of
March, for ever, for the purpose of enabling travellers on the
Wiltshire downs to find their way by the sound on dark and foggy
nights. He then pointed out the corruption of some of the names
of places in the Vale of Chalk, and concluded a very able and
interesting address, of which the foregoing is a mere summary,
amidst the loudly expressed applause of his hearers. At its
conclusion the Rev. A. C. Smith proposed a vote of thanks to
Dr. Williams, which was cordially responded to.
The party then left the schoolroom, and after inspecting the
church, where considerable discussion arose as to the date of its
nave and chancel: proceeded through Fifield Bavant and Alve-
iston to Norrington House, which by the courtesy of Mr. Parham,
they were allowed thoroughly to explore. Dinner however
The Eleventh General Meeting. bl
proved to be the first attraction; and at its conclusion,
Earl Netson, who was in the chair, said as that was the last
time he should have the opportunity of addressing the members of
the Society, he would now, at the close of his office as their Presi-
dent, bid them farewell. And first, he begged to thank Mr. and
Mrs. Parham for their kindness in permitting them to visit Nor-
rington House. (Loud cheers.) He would next ask them to give
their hearty thanks to Mr. Stevens for the great exertions which
he had made in connection with their visit to Salisbury, and for
the admirable manner in which he had arranged the excursions.
For himself he (Earl Nelson) bade them all farewell.
Mr. E. T. Srevens returned thanks.
The company then left the dinner table, and proceeded to the
_ lawn in front of the hall.
; Mr. J. H. Parxer, mounted on a chair, delivered an address on
}
_ Norrington House. He said that it was a good specimen of the
_ domestic architecture of the 15th century. Two of the windows
of the hall and the porch were original. The third window was
_ an addition made about twenty years ago. He condemned the ivy
_ which clustered round the porch, and observed that in a few years
_ it would destroy that interesting specimen of architecture. He
_ then explained the arrangement of an English gentleman’s house
_ in the 15th century, cbserving that on one side of the great hall
_ were the servants’ apartments and the cellar, and on the other side
were the family apartments. He called attention to the cellar,
which was finely groined, and which, in the olden times, was well
_ stocked with wine. He then explained the arrangements of the
_ great hall, and after many interesting observations on domestic
_ architecture, concluded an able and learned address.
. The party then visited the house, and inspected the great hall,which
_ has been divided into apartments. They also went into the cellar,
which is a noble specimen of medieval architecture.
' Leaving Norrington, they divided into three sections: one
_ of which visited Old Wardour, by permission of Lord Arundell ;
another visited Chiselbury Camp, through the Hare Warren, passing
_ Netherhampton and West Harnham churches. A third party pro-
382 The Museum.
ceeded to Compton House, which they were allowed to inspect, by
the kind permission of Mr. C. Penruddocke. |Unfortunately,
owing to the lateness of the hour, it was impossible to devote
sufficient time for an inspection of the valuable and interesting
collection which was displayed in the dining room. Universal
regret was expressed at this circumstance, and it was hoped that
on some future occasion Compton House would be taken at the
commencement of an excursion. After being most hospitably
entertained by Mr. Penruddocke, the visitors re-entered the carriages
and drove through the beautiful deer park, and so in the cool of
the evening, back to Salisbury; and it was felt by all as a subject
of regret, that the Salisbury meeting of the Wiltshire Archzolo-
gical and Natural History Society was ended.
A Hist of Articles Exhibited
IN THE
TEMPORARY MUSEUM AT THE COUNCIL HOUSE, SALISBURY,
September 13th, 14th, and 15th, 1865.
Those marked with an Asterisk have been presented to the Society.
By the Mayor AND CoRPoRATION OF SALISBURY :—
A rich collection of Charters and other documents relating to the early
history of the city. Also a bronze Winchester bushel sent to Salisbury by
Henry VII., for the purpose of regulating the measures at the market, and
recently discovered in some of the premises of the Corporation.
By the Lorp BisHor oF SALISBURY :—
Pastoral staff of silver, parcel gilt; the stem fluted and bossed, and the
crook ornamented with foliage in relief set with amethysts. In the centre
are the figures of the virgin and child, and also that of a mitred bishop within
a glory. The upper portion has been recently regilt ; but the whole belongs
to a period late in the ‘‘ renaissance” style, probably about the middle of the
17th century, and is apparently of German workmanship. A similar object
is preserved in the Cathedral at Lyons, which is known to be of German
origin ; the ornamentation is very similar to the present example, but the form
of the crook is simpler, indicating a somewhat earlier date. Cross and shell.
The Museum. 33
‘in mother of pearl, carved with sacred subjects, from Jerusalem. Two
copies of early Italian paintings by Fra. Angelico. Portrait, on panel, of
Jewel, Bishop of Salisbury, A.D. 1560—71.
By the Dean anp Cuaprer or SALISBURY :—
An ancient chasuble of green velvet, probably in use at the Cathedral before
the time of the Reformation, and decorated with “‘ orphreys” or embroidery,
representing the Crucifixion and figures of Saints; amongst which the in-
_seription ‘ Orate pro anima Johann. Baldwini,” is still traceable. Remains
of wooden pastoral staff, chalices of silver and pewter, and two episcopal rings
of gold, set with an agate and a sapphire, from tombs in the Cathedral opened
during Wyatt’s alterations about the year 1789. One of the original
transcripts of Magna Charta, and a Charter of King Stephen (A.D. 1136)
confirming the liberties of the church. A series of rare manuscripts and
early printed books including “ Aldhelmus de laude Virginttatis” MS. viii.
century: ‘‘Isidori Historia Sacre Legis Speculum Gregorit” MS, viii. or ix.
century: Latin Psalter Calendar and Liturgy with interlined Anglo Saxon
translation MS. x. century: Geoffrey of Monmouth MS. almost contemporary
xii. century: ‘ Justiniant Institutiones Juris Civilis eum glossd accursiana”
MS.: Breriarium secundum usum Sarum MS. xv. century: also a printed
copy of the Golden Legend by Caxton or Wynkyn de Worde, and a Graduale
in usum Sarum A.D. 1528.
By the Rr. Hon. Lavy Hersert :—
A very finely executed painting of Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke,
by Mare Garrard. Also a beautiful miniature of Sir Philip Sidney, by Isaac
Oliver, from Nonsuch, sold at Lord Liverpool’s sale to Mr. Capon, whence it
came into the possession of Catharine Countess of Pembroke, &c. A lock of
“Queen Elizabeth’s hair given to Sir Philip Sidney ‘‘ by her Majesty’s owne
faire hands,” in 1573; found ina copy of the ‘‘ Arcadia” at Wilton House,
together with a memorandum and a verse composed by Sir Philip on the occa-
sion. A bowl of bright yellow metal found at Wilton a few years since,
during excavations for sewerage. Attached to the rim are four rings (as if
‘for suspension), secured by staples terminating in the heads of animals. The
‘workmanship is apparently as early as the 1lth century. Vessels of this
description have been found with interments of the Anglo Saxon period.
Dr. Rock considers it probable that this is one of the Anglo Saxon Gabate,
or vessels suspended in churches, often mentioned amongst rare and precious
gifts to the churches in Rome and elsewhere, in early times. It was dug up
‘near the site of the residence of the Anglo Saxon Kings, at Wilton, and may
have belonged to a church which existed near the spot before the Norman
Conquest.
By the Rr. Hon. Eart Netson :—
A case containing various relies of the late Admiral Lord Nelson, viz. :—
the orders and stars worn by his Lordship, together with his log book and
several letters, one written with his left hand on board his flag-ship, the
‘Victory, in 1805. Also a model of the mast of the Victory after the action
“of Trafalgar; and a box made from the wood of the Royal George, the
‘Victory, and the Bellerophon. A burlesque pack of playing cards of the
time of the Commonwealth. Portrait of Oliver Cromwell undescribed by
VOL. X.—NO. XXVIII. Cc
34 The Museum.
Granger or Bromley. Printed demands for ship money, temp. Charles I.
Two watches of the same date. Various medals. Drawing of. Stonehenge
by Speed the historian, temp. Elizabeth. Bronze celt found on Charlton
Downs, &c., &c. Silver cup and two dishes of good repoussé work, of the
reign of George I. To the Natural History Section his Lordship was also a
contributor of some well preserved specimens, including a Bittern (Ardea
stellaris), Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), Goosander {Dergus merganser),
Redbreasted Merganser (Mergus serrator), a pair of short-eared Owls (Strix
brachyotus), pair of Sparrow Hawks and young (Falco nisus), Buzzard (Falco
buteo), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), a fine specimen of the Grey
Phalarope (Phalaropus platyrhynchus) in winter plumage, Nightjar (Capri-
mulgus Europeus), Dotterell (Charadrius morinellus) Polecat (Mustela puto-
rius), Ermine Weasels (Mustela erminea) in winter dress, and a pair of Stoats
and young in summer dress.
By Lavy Poors :—
Some fine specimens of old lace, including Venetian and English points,
&e., &e.
By Mrs. E Wickens, The Close :—
A volume of drawings of various remains of antiquity in Salisbury from the
year 1820, and the only record extant of many local antiquities which haye
disappeared since that date. Models of the old belfry in the Cathedral yard
destroyed by Wyatt in 1789, and the wardrobe House in the Close. Original
drawing of a mural painting discovered in St. Thomas’s Church, Salisbury, in
1819. Flagon presented by Sir Isaac Newton to an ancestor of the ex~
hibitor.
By Miss Dyxe, The Close :—
Mortuary ring with head of Charles I,, enamelled and emblems of death on
the back. Presentation ring. Specimens of old Venetian point lace.
By Mrs. MonrcoMeEry :—
_ A painting. on copper of the Blessed Virgin, of Spanish work.
By E. G. Benson, Esq :—
A large and interesting collection of Greek, Roman, English, and other
coins. Also a pair of bronze figures discovered behind a mantlepiece in the
Close by the Rey. G. Benson.
By the Rev. Sus-pEaAN Eyre :—
A very interesting engraving by J. S, Muller, of the interior of Salisbury
Cathedral, from a drawing by J. Biddlecomb, 1754. (This engraving shows
the original early English organ-screen, removed by Wyatt in 1789, anda
large font in the nave.)
By the Rey. A. C. Smrra :—
Case containing a handsome pair of the great spotted Cuckoo (Cuculus
glandarius), from Africa, and also a pair of the common Cuckoo (Cuculus
canorus.)
By the Rev. J. J. Scorr :—
Medal, ‘‘ In piam memoriam Gulielmi ITI.” Bezoar stone, enclosed in
an oriental case of gold filigree work. Two specimens of lacquered ware
from the East Indies. Indian fan, carved box of sandal wood, and specimen
of bead work from North America,
The Museum. 35
By H. J. F. Swayne, Esa., Netherhampton House :—
‘ Letters Patent giving a license to alienate certain lands in Anstey, Great
Durnford and Netton, held in capite by John Swayne, 9th Charles I. (1633),
with impression of Great Seal appended.
By C. J. Reap, Esa. :—
Account of the execution of Lords Kilmarnock and Balmarino, printed in
Sarum, August 18, 1746. Broad sheet of the execution of Simon Lord
Lovat, April 9, 1747. Ancient viol made in Somerset by John Strong, about
the latter part of the 16th century; and a violin made in Cremona by the
brothers A. & J. Amati in 1628.
By F. R. Fisuerr, Ese :—
Several old engravings of Malmesbury Abbey, Longleat, and plan of St,
Thomas’s Church, Salisbury.
By E. T. Stevens, Eso :—
Large Majolica vase with snake handles.
By the Rev. R. F. Purvis, Whitsbury :—
Silver dish of repoussé work, containing a mythological subject, with rich
border of fruit and female busts, foreign manufacture, Silver box enamelled
of oriental work. Two baskets of silver open work. Pair of tea caddies em-
bossed. Gold seal surmounted with elephant carrying howdah, engraved in
several eastern characters. Polished metal plate, of Chinese or Japan work,
used as a looking glass.
By the Rev. G. S. Master, West Dean:—
Three specimens of bronze celts. Illuminated copy of ‘‘ The Hours,” 15th
eentury. A double gem episcopal ring set with a stone called ‘ Root of
Ruby,” of two distinct colours. Antique gold ring from Greece, and Talis-
manic ring from India. Brass decade ring 16th century. Two gold lockets,
one with miniature of Charles I., containing hair and set with diamonds; the
other formed of coins of Charles I. and I]. Silver reliquary or lockets, with
heads of our Saviour and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Greek painting of the
Holy Family set as a locket. Inkstand, mirror-ease, basket, and locket in
filigree silver (17th century), from India. Seal handle with carving in ivory,
representing the temptation of Adam and Eve. Also several specimens of
fictitious antiquities sold by navvies employed in the underground railway’
and Thames embankment.
By Witt1am Bracxmorz, Esa. :—
Model of the unique ‘ Finger Pillory” preserved in the church of Ashby
dela Zouch, Leicestershire, Several gold objects found in graves at Chiriqui,
in central America. One of these objects, in the form of a frog, has loose
balls in the eye spaces, which rattle when it is shaken, a peculiarity observed
in much of the pottery found at Chiriqui. In collections of Mexican ebjects
also rattles of ware are not uncommon.
By Dr. BrAckMoRE :-—
Specimens of pointed flint implements from the high level drift gravel of
Milford Hill and Bemerton; and one example (the only one hitherto dis-
- covered) from the pleistocene brick-earth of Fisherton. Two living specimens
of the new species recently added to the list of British reptiles, the smooth
snake (Coluber levis), caught in the sandy heath near Bournemouth. Also
a specimen of the adder (Pelias Berus).
c2
36 The Museum.
By Mrs. BLackmorE: —
Several fine specimens of Venetian and English point lace. Also specimens
of old cutlery manufactured in Salisbury.
By J. E. Nicurmeare, Ese., Wilton :—
A Florentine bronze lect of elegant form, probably one of the ordinary
type in use about A.D. 1500. An onyx cup richly mounted and enamelled, of
early Italian work. Several Limoges enamels of the school of Penicaud and
later. An early Byzantine carving in ivory, representing our Lord in glory
(10th century). Some pieces of enamelled glass lamps from a mosque at
Cairo, of Syrian workmanship (14th century). These latter are amongst the
earliest specimens of medieeval glass.
By Miss NIGHTINGALE :—
Specimens of old lace.
By Mrs. Hussey, The Hall:—
A rare print of Salisbury Cathedral, with the belfry, by Robert Thacker,
A.D. 1680,
By W. Downrne, Ese., Fisherton :—
A collection of crystallised flints including a fine specimen of the coralline
known as Neptune’s drinking cup. Leg and body irons, and hand bolts,
anciently used in Fisherton Gaol. Fragment of stone from the tomb of St.
Osmund in the Cathedral of Old Sarum,
By C. W. Wynpuam, Esa. :—
A most interesting and valuable collection of English gold and silver coins,
including many rare specimens. A box of brass and pearl found at Stratford.
Another box commemorative of the battle of Manilla 1760. Brass in relief
representing the presentation of our Saviour by Nicolaus Vurgen A.D. 1598.
and another representing the Crucifixion. Two silver mourning rings in
memory of Charles I, and Oliver Cromwell; one engraved with a crowned
skull, cross bones and initials ‘“ C. R.’’ ; the other with arms of the Common-
wealth and the initials ‘‘ 0. C. ob: Sep. 3, 1658.” Some excellent specimens
of plate of the early part of the last century, A beaker with the arms of the
Commonwealth, 1653, Several pilgrim’s shells carved in mother of pearl,
from the Holy Land. Bust of Charles I. of France in ivory by Amand. Piece
of tapestry with figures of Charles II. and his queen, and a Bible cloth of
- tapestry work, &c., &c. Also several books and prints of local interest,
including a north view of Salisbury Cathedral by Hollar 1672, a view of the
Old Belfry 1787, an excellent copy of Inigo Jones’s ‘‘ Stonehenge,” 1725, and
Stukeley’s ‘* Stonehenge,” 1740.
By Mr. James Brown :—
A collection of flint implements from the drift gravel of Milford Hill and
Bemerton, including some remarkable examples of long pointed implements
both of the pear-shaped and spear-head types. A very fine oval specimen
from Hill Head, near Fareham, and others of the same form from Amiens.
Also a case of Danish stone and flint implements, illustrating the high degree
of perfection to which stone chipping attained in that country. Three speci-
mens of flint celts found: at Clarendon, Laverstock, and Bishopsdown.
Bronze celt from Cambridge. Thirteen specimens of iron arrow heads, and
cross bow bolts; the latter found in the Close, Salisbury, 1865. Snuff box
The Museum. 37
inlaid with ivory, 1668, and a second with a shield bearing 6 fusils, and.
name “Anne Essington, 1732.” Three Majolica plates, ivory patch box,
silver whist counter box, Royalist medal Charles I. Ancient seal found
at Bemerton. Embroidered purse, &c., &c.
By Mr. Crence :—
Flint implement from the gravel of Milford Hill. * re
By Mr. WaHrEaton :— - .
Large specimen of flint implement from Milford Hill.
By T. 0. Stzvens, Ese :—
Charter of James If. to the city of New Sarum, with autograph of the
notorious Judge Jefferies. °
- By Tomas Barnarp Ese :—
Silver mounted snuff-box, made from a plank severed from Nelson’s Flag
ship “‘ The Victory,” by a shot during the battle of Trafalgar, October, 21,
1805.
By Dr. Tuurnam, Devizes :—
Arrow-heads from the bed of Niagara river ; and leaf-shaped arrow-heads,
and javelin points from Wiltshire tumuli; the latter being perfect marvels
of skill in the way of chipping. An exquisitely polished flint celt from
Catterley Banks. Two polished celts of green stone, mounted in sockets of
deer horn, one of them handled in wood; from the lake dwellings of
Switzerland. Specimen of ossiferous crematious breccia, and horn cores and
bone of ox from a barrow near Tilshead.
By Mr. Suaw, Andover :—
Three rare specimens of ancient British gold coin found near Thruxton and
Farringdon ; and one of penannular Celtic ring money, weighing 204 grains,
recently found near Andover. Also several Saxon coins, and a touch-piece
of Charles II. given to persons touched for the King’s evil. Tracts relating
to the Martin Marprelate controversy, and specimens of pottery found in
making the London and Southampton railroad.
By Mr. Epwarp Kite, Devizes :—
Petition from Daniel Drake, Keeper of Fisherton Gaol, A.D. 1649, to the
Court of Quarter Sessions at New Sarum, for an allowance of £60 4s. 6d.
spent in the maintenance of prisoners and suppression of mutinies in the gaol
during the Commonwealth. ‘
By Messrs. Bennett & CLENCH :—
A large number of fine examples of early plate, amongst which the most
remarkable object was a silver gilt Chalice of the 13th century, with the boss
of the stem ornamented with foliage and the letters J. H. E. 8. U.S. also
a silver gilt standing cup and cover, of large size, with a bas-relief of our
Lord carrying the cross, and other sacred subjects; a pair of fine old candle-
sticks of German work, parcel gilt and embossed, of the 17th century ; several
drinking cups of silver and silver gilt, some richly embossed and engraved, of
the form prevalent in the 16th and 17th centuries ; several highly ornamented
spoons, in silver gilt, of about the same period; and some valuable specimens of
richly embossed, and repoussé work of the reign of George I.
_ By J. Rawience Esa., Bulbridge House :—
Illuminated MS. of the 15th century. Black letter Bible in old binding.
38 The Museum.
Memorandum book with ancient needlework cover and silver clasps engraved
with figures of Moses and Aaron, the Evangelists, &c. Piece of needlework
of the tire of Charles II. with portrait of a lady surrounded by rural objects.
Map of Ireland A.D. 1610 printed on satin. Map showing the progress of
Queen Elizabeth to Tilbury. A very handsome pair of Honey Buzzards
(Falco apivorus) with their young, also specimens of the Goshawk (Falco
palumbarius), killed at Fonthill in 1863, and the great or solitary Snipe
(Scolopax major).
By Henry Brackmore, Ese :—
A large case of stuffed British birds, some of great rarity in this country.
Amongst those worthy of special notice were the Gyr Falcon (Falco gyrfaleo),
Goshawk (Falco palumbarius), Rough-legged Buzzard (Falco lagopus),
Common Kite (Falco milvus), Swallow-tailed Kite (Falco jurcatus), Hawk
Owl (Strix ulula), Tengmalms Owl (Strix Tengmalmi), Scops-eared Owl (Strix
scops), Little Owl (Strix passerina), Great Gray Shrike (Lantus excubitor),
Woodchat Shrike (Lanius rufus), Bee Eater (Merops apiaster), Bohemian
Waxwing (Bombycilla garrula), Fire crested Regulus (Regulus ignieapillus),
a pair of Golden Orioles (Oriclus galbula), Fork-tailed Petrel (Thalassidroma
Leachii) killed at Quidhampton, Night Heron (Nycticorax ardeola), Little
Bittern (Ardea minuta) ; a beautiful specimen of the Grey Phalarope (Pha/a-
ropus platyrhynchus), in summer plumage. Also a good specimen of the Pine
Marten (Martes abietum), &c., &e,
By Mr. Epwarps, Amesbury ;—
A large and very interesting collection of water colour drawings of churches,
&e., in Wiltshire, including corbels, stained glass, &c., from Amesbury
Church. An ancient fireplace in the Green Dragon at Alderbury. Bulford
House, Lake House. Desecrated chapel at Chittern Ali Saints. Exterior
and Interior yiews and details of the old churches of Chittern Ali Saints and
Chittern St. Mary, both of which are now partially destroyed. Also of Great
Durnford, Winterbourne Dauntsey, Winterbourne Earls, Winterbourne
Gunner, and Porton Chapel. Mural painting of St. Christopher, recently
discovered in Idmiston Church, &c. Also a series of patterns of encaustic
tiles found on the site of Amesbury Abbey in 1859—60, and several old and
curious engravings of Longford Castle.
By Mr. W. C, Kemm, Amesbury :-—
A series of drawings of stone capitals, plinths, mouldings, and vessels dug
up during excavations on the site of Amesbury Abbey in 1859—60. Water
colour drawings of the exterior and interior of Idmiston Church, corbels,
font, monument, &c.; also a copy of Buck’s perspective view of the city of
Salisbury.
By Mr. TIrrrn :—
A fine miniature likness in oil of a lady A.D. 1580, and a beautiful cameo
about 1500. Three illuminated drawings by a Siennese artist about 1300.
Artists cup of silver, parcel gilt, with heads of M. Angelo, &e. View of
Longford Castle as it stood about 1680. Specimen of Limoges enamel by
J. Laudin, 1690, Several rare books, viz.:—‘‘ Biblia latina” MS. about A.D.
1300. ‘‘ Mammotractus,” by Marchesimus, B.L. Milan, 1481, (mentioned
by Rabelais among the choice books of the Library of St. Victor.) ‘‘ De
The Museum. 39
Miraculis occultis Nature,’’ &c., Frankfort, 1593, (in old hogskin binding,
stamped with figures of Fortune and Justice.) Description of England, by
T. Smith, Elzevir edition, 1641. The latter work contains, at p. 31, the
following description of Salisbury :—“Sarisburia cedificiorum magnificentia
et elegantia nulli cedens!”’ Plan of Salisbury Cathedral, west front, after
Hollar, 1808 ; the north-west view, after Hollar, 1670, showing the Hunger-
ford and Beauchamp Chapels destroyed by Wyatt in 1789; and the east
view, 1670, A pair of shoes, of English needlework about 1690, and a lady’s
girdle about 1730.
By Mr. W. Osmonp, Jun. :— ¢
Copy of Heading of the original Charter granted by Edw. Iy., to the
tailors of New Sarum, dated 14th Dec., 1461.
By Mr. S. Maton :—
Roman jug from a barrow on Salisbury Plain. Carving representing the
Assumption of the Virgin. Plan of Salisbury 1751. Several posey rings.
By Mr. J. Rumpoip :—
Several examples of decade and posey rings, one of them said to have been
found at Stonehenge, also an ancient clock with curiously inlaid case.
By Mr. WIxxzs :—
A Majolica drug vase bearing the figure of St. Sebastian, also a double
vase of Mexican Pottery.
By Mr. Beacu :—
Court sword of Alderman Beckford, of Fonthill. when Lord Mayor of
London for the third time A.D. 1770.
By Mr. Conntneron, Devizes :—
Three fine specimens of stone celts found in North Wilts, Case of fossil
Crustaceans from the Upper-green-sand of Wiltshire. Piece of needlework
temp. Elizabeth. Photograph of John Britton.
By Mr. R. T. Sure :—
Specimens of flint flakings from a river-bed near Weymouth.
By the Rev. 8. Lrrrnewoop :—
Latin Bible, with illustrations, A.D. 1512. Portrait of our Saviour, in
tapestry, from a gem cut by order of the Emperor Tiberius Cesar, and sent
by him to Pope Innocent VIII.
By Mr. Srarrarp, Calne :—
Highly curious masonic snuff box, of very rare device.
The inscription on this tapestry is as follows:
VERA SALYVATORIS NOSTRI EFFIGIES
AD IMITATIONEM IMAGINIS SMARAGDO INCIS&
IVSSVY TIBERII CHSARIS QVO SMARAGDO PO-
STEA, EX THESAVYRO CONSTANTINOPOLITANO,
TYRCARVYM IMPERATOR INNOCENTIVM VIII.
PONT. MAX: ROM. DONAVIT, PRO REDIMENDO
FRATRE CHRISTIANIS CAPTIVO.
40
On Architectural Colouring.
By Mr. T. Gamprer Parry.
RT owes a greater debt to whitewash than it might
like at first to avow. Whitewash preserved the portrait
of Dante ‘to Italy, and the records of much ancient art to
England. The Puritans’ whitewash was as good as a museum
for the works it protected. But those works are now rapidly dis-
appearing under the improving influences of restoration committees.
It is difficult to detect the actual culprit of this ruthless destruction,
because the builder employed in repairs shields himself behind the
stupid ignorance of his men, the architect shelters himself behind
the stupidity of the builder, and the ladies and gentlemen of the
subscription list smile safely under the «gis of limited liability.
There has been a variation of public taste. It has now gone from
one bad thing to another—from whitewash to bare walls. Public
taste began to wake to a sense of its own impurity, and then rushed
into immoderate use of soap and water. The indiscriminate des-
truction of early works of English art has been grievous. Much
was bad, no doubt; but the good has gone with it, and, what is
worse, the record of their composition, the incidents of their history,
and the expression of their poetry, are gone also. There are, how-
ever, scraps enough left to form for us the alphabet of restoration.
No geological catastrophe has ever denuded a continent more com-
pletely than the flood of modern Purism, under the lying name of
Restoration, has laid bare the architecture of our ancestors. They
have bared its very bones. No martyr was ever more effectually
flayed. The finer taste of other days had covered the hideous
mortar joints and rough masonry of the interior of buildings with
a film of fine cement or gesso. But this has all been scraped away,
under the ignorant supposition that that two was merely whitewash.
The exteriors had been left rough by the builders, all fitly and
By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 41
tightly enouzh, to suit the action of rough times and rough climate ;
but the interiors were to meet only the gentler action of men’s
thoughts and men’s prayers. Roughness and refinement are both
elements of sublimity in art, but they can never change places.
What would give masculine grandeur to an exterior would mar all
good effect within. The last touch given to the interior was to soften
down the asperities of the rough materials. Coarse lines and
broken joints of mortar confounded the finer forms of architecture.
A thin film of fine cement resolved those discords, and prepared the
way forthe colourist. But nowadays colour, whitewash, gesso, and
allare gone. Architecture, first washed of its dirt, then deprived of
its complexion, and last of all denuded of its very skin, is presented
to us ina state of nudity, which we are then called on to admire!
This ruthless process, besides its effect on countless minor buildings,
_ has reduced the interior of Lichfield and a great part of Worcester
Cathedrals to a condition of bare masonry and vaulting, like that
of a common beer cellar, and has given the two magnificent columns
which rise from the floor to the roof of the choir of Ely the appear-
ance of two huge piles of double Gloucester cheeses. These are
but illustrations. This ruinous process has been the rule of modern
__ restoration. e
_ The employment of colour in architecture in the times of
_ its greatest perfection is now too generally admitted to need
_ proof or argument. The beauty of a nude colourless architecture
may be and often is very great; but it needs to be of the highest
_ art to bear the trial of such nude exposure. Such beauty, the nude
_ beauty of uncoloured architecture, is of the most abstract kind.
_ The forms of architecture, and consequently the beauty of their
composition, have nothing in common with nature. Of course its
structure has; but I am now speaking of the higher ideal of its
_ art, not the lower one of its mechanism. That higher ideal is a
most abstract one. There is an element of beauty in architecture
_ which surpasses the original conception of the architect. A painter
_preconceives his work; a sculptor does so, and works it gradually
into shape in plastic clay; but an architect does not and cannot
preconceive all the varying effects of perspective and of light.
42 On Architectural Colouring.
They affect him as though he were a stranger to it. Architecture
is an intellectual creation. It may delight, attract, and awe the
multitude, and no doubt it does; but I doubt the power of the
multitude to penetrate the depth of its poetry. It is too exclusively
artificial, too abstract, too exclusive of all that is common to external
nature, to command all hearts. There is a note wanting in its
scale. One touch might bring all the refinement of its calculated
symmetry into harmony with nature; one touch might bring the
abstractions of human mind into harmony with the feelings of human
nature; one touch alone: and that is, the touch of colour. Acoldsnow-
white rose flushed with the glow of an autumn sun; a glacier irrides-
cent in the level rays of evening, as though it were changed into one
great opal: how such beauty charms and draws out an affection
warmer than that of mere intellectual admiration.
A thing of colour is a thing of life—a colourless thing in nature, if
there be one, savours more of death than life. In art a colourless
thing is but a passionless abstraction. It may be, in both, pure and
lovely even though the idea of life may have no part withit. Butas
life is better than death, so are things which suggest it ; and so it
results that as nature without colour is inconceivable, so art without
colour is incomplete.
How then shall we apply this deduction to architecture? If
its forms have no precedent in Nature, whence are the princi-
ples of its colour to be drawn? I grant the difficulty, particularly
at this time when people’s eyes are so habituated to the poetry
of Puritan whitewash or to Purist nudity, that colour comes
upon them as a separate idea, clashing with that of architecture.
I am not surprised at it. It is often less their fault than the
artist’s. Incompetent persons are intrusted with an art, of
the delicacy and difficulty of which they have no more idea than
their employers. There are few more difficult problems in art than
the combination of painting with sculpture and architecture. The
result is often most unsatisfactory, and neither artist nor employer
knows why, and until the province, not merely ef each art, but of
each branch of it, be clearly recognised, both by artists and their
patrons, there can be no hope of rescue from that confusion of ideas
By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 43
which now makes any harmonious combination of those arts im-
possible. In so short a paper I can only offer a few notes on two
branches of this large subject :—(1.) The methods of art employed
in former times. (2.) The principles which, in the most perfect
styles of art, have guided and ever must guide the combination of
painting and architecture.
From the earliest times to our own there appear to have been
three distinct methods of architectural painting in common use.
Fresco, encaustic, and tempera. There were many modifications of
each. Their history is of great practical value tous. The earliest
_ method was that of tempera,—the fixing of colour pigment to a
surface by some retentive and protective medium. Size was the
oldest and commonest—as used from the days of the Egyptians to
our own. Wax, too, appears to have been used by them asa
medium in tempera. It becomes a water colour medium by admix-
ture with egg or alkali. It is, however, of little moment to us,
except for its archeological interest, what was used in such a cli-
mate as Egypt.
In Greece and Italy, the method most valued for its durability
was the encaustic. It was very variously used—so much so, that
_ that word came to be employed in any method in which wax formed
the principal ingredient. "Wax was in all probability the earliest
_ protective vehicle used for colours in the architectural painting of
the Greeks. Their earliest temples were of wood, and so too were
their statues. It is hard to believe that the maritime Greeks,
whose principal emporium was Egypt, could have remained unin-
fluenced by what they saw there, where every work of art or
ingenuity was rich with natural or artificial colours. As they
_ preserved and painted their wooden ships, so would they preserve
and paint their wooden temples. The tradition that they did so
is preserved by Vitruvius, who states that the Greeks covered the
_ ends of beams or roof timbers: exposed to the weather with blue
; wax. The exceeding softness of the effect of colour used with a
wax medium, was just what the Greeks desired. It was used in
various ways, with a brush, with a spatula, with the encaustic
process, and without it. Wax was also the main ingredient in
44 On Architectural Colouring.
the circumlithio of statues. The statue-painters were known as
eykavorat, t.e., artists who used wax. The advantages of its use on
marble, whether of architecture or of sculpture, with or without
the addition of colour, were its permanence and transparency, and
its resistance of atmospheric influences. Examples of painted
surfaces from the Theseum, the Propyle, and the Pinacotheca at
Athens, were not long ago submitted to analysis by Mr. Farraday,
in England, and to a French chemist, M. Landerer, and in almost
every case wax was discovered by them as the medium of the
colours. It was also the favourite medium for moveable pictures.
A mode of its use is illustrated in a small painting found at Pom-
pell, where an artist is represented mixing his colours on a stone
slab with a fire burning beneath it. It appears to have been the
medium most common in use for architectural decoration by the
Romans as well as by the Greeks; and it was used for all sorts of |
artistic purposes throughout the middle ages. Wax is prescribed
among the recipes of the Lucca MS. in the eighth century, and
in the MS. of Eraclius of the eleventh or twelfth centuries. In the
French MS. of Pierre de St. Audemar it is prescribed as a varnish
to protect vermilion from the damp and air. And throughout the
old documents of English works of art connected with painted
architecture, it is mentioned as an ingredient commonly supplied
to painters.
In medizval art, the encaustic system of burning in the wax
does not appear to have been used north of the Alps. Wax is
prescribed in the French MS. of La Begue, in the fifteenth century,
to be mixed with white lead as a ground for painting ; and other-
wise used also with size and mastic. The receipt of an English
artist of the fourteenth century was found not long ago at Roches-
ter, describing its use, when melted with resins and other
materials.
I am strongly convinced by the universal opinion of artists
employed in architectural painting, from the early days of Greek
art to those of the later middle ages in Europe, that wax was the
most highly valued ingredient in their hands. It was commonly
used by them as a ground for their work, a medium for their
By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 45
colours, and a varnish for protection against damp and air. It has
also the invaluable qualities of durability in itself, permanency of
colour, transparency, and freedom from any chemical action on the
most delicate mineral or vegetable colours.
The other two methods used in wall painting were tempera and
fresco. The controversy about buon fresco and fresco secco, used
by the Greek artists, is of no practical consequence to us. There
is no doubt that buon fresco was used by them ; the question being
only how far that system was used in the higher branches of art.
The argument inclines to a peculiar method between the real fresco
and the secco. Fresco secco is this,—the fresh plaster is allowed
to set, and thus far only to be secco—the wall is wetted for use,
and the colours used with lime for white, and lime water for a
vehicle—whereas the method used by the Greeks and Romans of
classic days appears to have been this, viz., to lay upon a secco
wall (i.e. where the plaster had set) a fresh wash of lime, into or
upon which, before it set, the artist painted ad libitum.
The methods commonly used in England were various kinds
of tempera. Real fresco does not appear to have been practised
‘ in England. There is no evidence of its use in Christian art
Bach before the time of Cennini. It was probably first used at
Pisa, in the early part of the fourteenth century. The serious
objection to fresco of any sort, is, of course, the very limited num-
ber of colours which will bear the action of lime. Its excellence
is in the mellowness of its effects, and freedom from a glossy
i Surface, a quality absolutely necessary for mural painting. But its
surface, unprotected by any varnish, or coating of any sort—its
colours held in their places only by the crystallising of the lime
_ water—its porous, or at least granulated surface, on which damp
and minute fungi find an easy lodgment, disqualify it from being
trusted where walls are constantly exposed to an alternation of
_ damp atmosphere and hot multitudes.
Tempera painting has many modes of work. Oil is found in
some of its recipes. ii appears to have been of very ancient use,
Greek writer, in the time of the Emperor Augustus, describes
he preparation and the use of drying oils. The monk Eraclius
46 On Architectural Colouring.
mentions its use in architectural decoration of the eleventh or
twelfth century thus: ‘If you wish to paint a column or 2
stone, take white lead and grind it with oil.” He then describes
the thin film of gesso or cement with which all finished architecture
was covered, and adds: ‘“ You may then paint upon it in colours
mixed with oil.” As he was the compiler of old Greek art tradi-
tions, we may suppose him thus giving an account of oil painting
used by Byzantine artists, and even by those of still greater anti-
quity. But oil is a very bad vehicle for architectural painting
where it cannot be protected by a varnish, on account of the gloss.
That colour had its place in architectural effect, and that it was
necessary to its perfection, had been a principle recognized in all
times and countries. The fact of art having been unanimous in
its greatest and purest age, whether of Pagan or of Christian times,
on this subject, is a sufficient reason for our enquiry whether our
preference for uncoloured objects is a purer taste, or whether it be
not a simple deficiency of perceptive powers, aud the evidence of
an elementary, inchoate, and limited taste. In the palmiest days
of classic art, sculpture as well as architecture was coloured, the
tone being mellowed without affecting the texture of the marble.
The draperies were often coloured very powerfully, and gold, and
even jewellery, used. Unpainted statues are mentioned by classic
authors as exceptions. The buildings of the Greeks were also
coloured, without regard to the materials. Every moulding of the
Parthenon, of the purest marble, was ornamented with colour or with
gold. The primary colours were generally used in the architecture
of the Greeks, and often in great intensity. Vermilion, ultramarine,
and yellow earth were common, and a bright green, probably the
same as that of which our medieval painters were fond—viz.: the
vert de Gréce, whence the colour is commonly called verdigris, the
French name originating in its importation to England from
Montpellier, the greatest emporium for colours in Europe in the
middle ages. Works of classic art, at the greatest distance apart,
witness to the same principle in colouring, that what the carver
had brought out in the strongest relief should be still more strongly
relieved by a bold use of the primary colours and of gold; and
By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 47
that what the architect had left broad and flat should be maintained
so by the painter, by diapers, flat and conventional patterns, and
bold simple bands of colour. Of higher art, figure and subject
painting there is only the evidence of books. The paintings on
ancient vases and the remains at Pompeii are valuable indirect
evidences of what the course of classic art had been. Those vases
represent to us the perfect idea of Greek wall painting. The com-
position of subjects on those vases are commonly much too fine to
have originated with artists employed in a business comparatively
low. The inference is a fair one that those compositions are re-
peated from the works of the greatest artists on the temple walls.
The system of flat composition in wall painting was then universal.
There is a description by Pausanias of a work by Polygnotus,
painted about 450 B.C., in which the figures of a great subject
were in distinct groups one above the other. On the Greek and
Etruscan vases, the system of wall painting is admirably illustrated.
‘The most beautiful and expressive groups are there made subservient
to the architecturai purpose. If those inferior works on mere pottery
were so fine, the great originals must have been admirable. The
system of painting was one of sufficient relief to satisfy the eye,
“but not enough to disturb the dignity of the architecture. This
Polygnotus is said to have painted men better than they were, ‘.e.
“he idealised his figures. And let it be remembered that the date
of Polygnotus was the date also of Phidias and of Ictinus, the
sculptor and the architect of the temples at Phigalea and at Athens,
the age of the zenith of Greek art, and themselves its greatest ex-
“ponents. —
_ An artist is not to be measured by the high finish of his works.
‘The age of high finish and high relief in painting was the
turning point of classicart. Painting then asserted its individuality.
It was still admirable, but only for itself and by itself. By this
_yery assertion of individuality it dissevered itself from architecture.
[rue architectural ornamentation, whether by decorative design or
by high art figure painting, was at an end; and the abuse of the
of wall painting culminated in a certain Roman, Ludius,
rho painted market scenes and stables, and cobbler’s stalls, and
48 On Architectural Colouring.
vulgar groups on walls, ignoring all principle, and defying all taste.
With him that chapter of the arts was closed.
When the painter and the architect first worked together the
spirit of the age which brought their arts into life and action
inspired them alike. It has been common among art-critics
to regard rather with a compassionate admiration that union of
spirit which kept those arts in harmony. In the account taken of
Pagan and Christian arts, that period is regarded as that of their
weakness or their infancy. The full dignity of manhood has been
accorded to them only when they had arrived at a direct and
positive antagonism—when, for instance, painting worked for its
own glorification—when it took a space assigned to it by the
architect, and turned that space into a lie,—when it turned the
surface of strong walls into scenes of atmospheric perspective, or a
cupola into a region of clouds. I urge that this was and isa
miserable abuse of art—I believe that this abuse lies in a mis-
appreciation of the vastness and elasticity of art. It comes of
conceit, and the self glorification of one art in abnegation of the
purposes of another. I speak not now of painting merely for its
decorative effects, but of the higheat sphere of that art, its historic,
sacred and poetic expression in alliance with architectural design.
I must express regret at the paucity of ideas, not only in our own
day, but even in the greatest days of artist life by which one ex-
clusive phase of the painter’s art has been recognised as perfect,—
that of pictorial effect. I believe the greatness of that art rather
to consist in the greatness of its adaptability—in its power to
respond to the most opposite demands. But now it is restricted to
one only phase—that one only is supposed compatible or proper to
its highest aims—that whether that grand art be applied within
the limits of a gold frame, or be spread over some great surface,
needed for the repose and grandeur of architectural effect, yet still
that the same ever repeated phase of “‘ picture” should prevail. It
is strange that artists should not see the excessive weakness of this
poor restriction of their art—that whether it be applied toa picture .
in a boudoir, to the bulging side of a jug, to the bottom of a dish,
or to the great wall spaces of architectural design, their grand art
By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 49
should manifest such poverty of invention, such wretched weakness
of resource, that under conditions so opposite it should still remain
the same.
But the modern painter has made himself a slave to the techni-
calities of perspective. The greatness of his art lies in design, not
in the mere technicalities of linear or atmospheric relief. But art
was in this way narrowed centuries ago, even by those who in its
great days glorified it by their genius—but they were intent on
one ideal of it alone—so they dammed up its stream and made its
channel narrow. I mean in what is called the renaissance of the
15th and 16th centuries. Painting was reduced to pictorial effect.
Arts once glorious in their diversity were all drawn in, within one
narrow code of academic rules. The altar-piece, the window and
the wall (as I have said elsewhere) were all brought within the
category of the same rigid table of art laws. Glass, pottery, walls,
pictures, mosaics, were all to be treated alike—and why ? because
the artists were in bondage.
Academies had ignored the varying conditions of art in its place,
its purpose, and its materials ; and popular opinion, lending its nose
to the hook of academic pretension, had frightened the artist into
compliance, for his health, his peace, and his pocket, but not for
his conscience sake.
Mr. Parry then proceeded as follows:—I trust that you will
have seen my purpose in this brief sketch of classic art. I can
suppose that the story of Christian art might have been more
interesting to you, but that classic art was a perfect prototype of
what followed in Christian times. They both illustrate the triumphs
of art gained by the principle of mutual subordination—subor-
dination, I mean, not reducing one art to the slave of another—
but a mutual act, rather of espousal than of vassalage. When
painting asserted its own individual powers, all combination with
its great sister was at an end. In Christian art the case has been
the same, and nowadays all true principle of wall painting seems
to be ignored. The modern artist will not succumb to the require-
ments of his new position. He has been a picture painter ; he is
now a wall painter, but here he continues a picture painter still.
VOL. X.—NO. XXVIII D
50 On Architectural Colouring.
All art is subject to conditions. Its excellence depends on their
fulfilment. It is this fact of subjection to conditions which makes
all art necessarily conventional. Painting is an art of exceedingly
wide range—wide in respect to itself, from the bold symbolic
outlines of an Egyptian hierograph to the niggling mimicry of a
Dutch picture, and wide in respect to the purposes it can fulfil,
such as for pottery, for walls, for moveable pictures, enamels,
sculpture, architecture, glass, tapestry, &c. This versatility of
powers must be thoroughly realised before any just judgment can
be formed. People err in taste because they ignore the proper base
of criticism. They are confounded by the flood of heterogeneous
forms which disgrace the character of modern art, and no wonder.
But once seize the guiding star of all judgment; once realise the
condition in which a work is placed, conditions as to itself, con-
ditions as to its place, purpose, and materials, and then all is clear.
No matter how much consecrated by long use or common associations,
it must be at once condemned if its conditions be unfulfilled.
Apply this to the subject before us. Monumental art is of all
others the highest in its aim. It must compel the resources which
all arts can afford into unison. The success of former ages is attri-
butable to that unison in which the whole chorus of the arts joined.
It is the modern self-assertion of each individual art that renders
success in monumental art well nigh impossible. By monumental
art I mean the combination of the whole sisterhood of arts clustering
round and working under the master spirit of architecture. Let
each art be free as air, and revel in its own powers alone and
uncontrolled. But here it is not alone. I can conceive no taste
more reprobate than that of vain self-assertion, where self restraint
would be the most graceful virtue. Take for instance such a case
as this—an artist paints a scene for a theatre. It would be im-
possible for hm to imitate too closely the natural effects, both of
linear and atmospheric prospective. But apply this scene so painted
with its sunny foreground in strong relief, its receding forms of
wood or mountains, or of distant water mingling its horizon with
the sky,—apply this elsewhere. It was a triumph of art in its
own sphere; it had fulfilled all its conditions. But now how
ridiculous would all those be, associated with the condition of
4
~
:
‘
f
By Mr. T. Gambier Parry. 51
architectural design. The artist has made all light and flimsy
which the architect had left purposely and necessarily massive,
bold and broad. Both mind and eye are offended at the result.
He has placed the two arts in direct antagonism. He has stultified
the architecture, and reversed every condition of equilibrium,
opening that which should be closed, lightening that which should
be heavy, leaving weighty masses of masonry without apparent
support. He has turned heavy walls into thin air, and has left
massive arches to carry the clouds. But the great works of other
times have given us the precedents and principles to attain the
same success, Surely it will not be denied that if ever taste cul-
minated to its highest ‘act, it was in the creation of beautiful
works. If ever there was authority in taste which we are bound
to reverence, it was when art had attained its greatest triumphs.
Individual taste may nowadays rebel, in vanity and self-assertion,
but the greatest artists of the greatest days did otherwise. I am
confident that in conjunction with architecture all arts are raised
__ at once to their highest sphere. Architecture is the most conven-
tional of all arts, the creature of thought most abstract and refined
—and with it the others can find companionship complete and
sympathetic only in their purest and noblest forms, where all power
is concentrated to symbolise and suggest rather than to realise, to
address imagination rather than to satisfy curiosity. Naturalism
and imitation is another, a distinct, and most inferior phase both
of sculpture and painting—a phase, indeed, to which a good pupil
must attain—to which the master must have himself attained to
reach his higher standing ground. They are steps, mere steps,
which all must mount who care to feel the pure air above, and to
see the broad horizon of arts’ poetry in all its beauty. I conclude
then with this,—that if those various arts of which my subject has”
treated could be attained, and their spirit guided by the genius of
one master mind—if their full powers could be compelled and
_ their resources welded together with unity of purpose and unity of
_ result; such a conclave of the arts could only meet for one great
_ triumph—in an architecture completely beautiful—the mother and
4 the mistress of them all. i
D2
52
ON THE
Adlethod of Atlobing Colossal Stones,
As practised by some of the more adoanced ations of Antiquity.
By the Rey. A. C. Smrru.
Read before the Society during the Annudl Meeting at Salisbury, Sept. 13th, 1865.
PRESUME that among the many strangers who annually
visit Stonehenge, after the first mental conjecture as to its
date, and the people who erected that imposing structure, the
question which next suggests itself to the mind of each is, how
did the builders of those times (whoever they were, and whenever
they lived) transport and then erect such huge and massive stones ?
Now this is a question which nobody can satisfactorily answer,
for we have nothing to guide us to any certainty on the point:
and however ingenious and plausible the theories which from time
to time have been adduced, they can at most lay claim to pro-
bability, but can by no means be pushed beyond the limits of
conjecture.
Under these circumstances it is well to make a wide cast among
the nations of ancient time, and if we can leave anything definite
of the practice in this particular of other people in those distant
ages, such practice may perhaps serve as a clue to guide us to the
true solution of the question which occupies our attention here,
and at any rate is an enquiry full of interest, as we ponder over
the vast and bulky masses which somehow were raised by a primitive
people to the position they have held for so many ages.
Now it so happens that within the last few years, the researches
which have been carried on among the most civilized of the ancient
nations (I mean the Assyrians and the Egyptians), have revealed
the method which both those nations employed for transporting
the colossal figures in which those people delighted. Mr. Layard
and Sir Henry Rawlinson in Assyria, and Sir Gardner Wilkinson
° By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 53
in Egypt, have all described the process as it is still exhibited in
bas-reliefs or paintings on the walls; and I proceed at once to
extract from their respective writings a short epitome of the des-
criptions they have given of these most interesting illustrations
of the mechanical skill of the ancients.
With regard to Assyria, Mr. Layard! has elaborately represented
in his “Monuments of Nineveh,” and Mr. Rawlinson? has detailed
with considerable minuteness, from the bas-reliefs discovered at
Koyunjik, all the particulars with reference to the transport of the
colossal bulls from the quarry to the palace gateways. The very
fact that they were able to transport masses of stone many tons in
weight, over a considerable space of ground, and to place them on
the summits of artificial platforms from thirty to eighty or ninety
feet high, would alone indicate considerable mechanical power.
The further fact, now made clear from the bas-reliefs, that they
wrought all the elaborate carving of the colossi before they pro-
ceeded to raise them or put them in place,’ is an additional argu-
ment of their skill, since it shows that they had no fear of any
accident happening in the transport. It appears from the repre-
sentations, that they placed their colossus in a standing posture,
not on a truck of any kind, but on a huge wooden sledge, and
cased it with an openwork of spars;* and then by means of well
adjusted ropes attached to various portions of the framework, the
workmen were enabled to steady the bulky mass, while large gangs
of men dragged the sledge along in front, as I have already des-
cribed in a former paper.5
_ This is godt and conclusive evidence as regards the transport of
colossal stones in Assyria. Let us now see what the paintings on
1 Layard’s Monuments of Nineveh, 2nd series, plates x. to xvii.
*Rawlinson’s Five great Monarchies of the Ancient Eastern World, vol. i.
pp. 495—499.
$Mr, Layard at first imagined that the contrary was the case [Nineveh and
its Remains, vol. ii., p. 318], but his Koyunjik discoveries convinced him of his
error. [Nineveh and Babylon, pp. 105, 106.]
‘The nineteenth century could make no improvement upon this: Mr. Layard
tells us that ‘‘precisely the same framework was used for moving the great
‘sculptures now in the British Museum. [Nineveh and Babylon, p. 112, note.]
5 Magazine, vol. ix., p. 131,
54 On the Method of Moving Colossal Stones.
the walls of the rock-hewn tombs of Egypt hand down to us, as
the practice of that remarkable nation in early times.
Not far from Antinoe, and in one of the grottoes on the hills
immediately behind the village E’ Dayr e’ Nakhl, in the Arabian
desert, on the eastern bank of the Nile, at the distance of some
few miles from the river, and therefore but little visited, the early
pioneers of Egyptian antiquities, (Captains Irby and Mangles)
discovered the very interesting subject of the transport of a colossal
figure by means of a vast number of workmen, towing it on a
sledge with ropes. I myself visited this tomb during last winter
and made a rough sketch of the painting on the walls: but I prefer
to describe it in the words of Sir Gardner Wilkinson.! “The
subject,” (he remarks) “is doubly interesting, from its being of the
early age of Osirtasen II., (that is to say, of the 12th Dynasty, or
about B.C. 2000,) and also one of the very few paintings which
throw any light on the method employed by the Egyptians for
moving weights; a singular fact, since those people have left so
many unquestionable proofs of skill in these matters. In this
representation, one hundred and seventy two men, in four rows of
forty three each, pull the ropes attached to the front of the sledge :
but this number of men is probably indefinite, and it is supposed
by Sir Gardner Wilkinson that more were really employed than
are indicated in the painting. Upon the pedestal of the statue
stands a man pouring a liquid from a vase, probably grease or
perhaps water, in order to facilitate its progress as it slides over
the ground, which was probably covered with a bed of planks,
though they are not shown in the picture. Behind the statue are
four rows of men, in all twelve in number, representing either the
architects and masons, or those who had an employment about the
place where the statue was to be conveyed. Below are others car-
rying vases, apparently of water, and some machinery connected
with the transport of the statue, followed by taskmasters with their
wands of office. On the knee of the figure stands a man who claps
1Manners and Customs of the ancient Egyptians, vol. iii., pp. 325—329.
See also Handbook for Travellers in Egypt, by the same author. (Murray)
p, 289.
By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 55
his hands to the measured cadence of a song, to mark the time and
ensure their simultaneous draught; for it is evident that in order
that the whole power might be applied at the same instant, a sign
of this kind was necessary: and the custom of singing at their
work was common to every occupation in Egypt, as it is now in
that country, and many other places: nor is it found a disadvantage
among the modern sailors of Europe and others, when engaged in
pulling a rope, or in any labour which requires a simultaneous
effort.” Sir Gardner Wilkinson concludes his account of this
interesting painting, by observing ‘‘that while small blocks of
stone were sent from the quarries by water to their different places
of destination, either in boats or rafts: those of very large dimen-
sions were dragged by men overland, in the manner here repre-
sented: and the immense weight of some shows that the Egyptians
were well acquainted with mechanical powers, and the mode of
applying a locomotive force with the most wonderful success.”
But if it be thought by any that the colsssal figures alluded to
above, would be of inferior bulk and weight to the rough stones of
___ Avebury or Stonehenge, let me hasten to correct such an erroneous
impression by remarking, that the statues of the Assyrians were of
enormous size and weight, while those of the Egyptians were of
no less dimensions. I proceed to prove this by figures; and would
first observe that the height of the Egyptian colossus just described
was twenty four feet,! while the bulk of the Assyrian human
headed bull, alluded to above, was far greater: but these are as
nothing when compared to other colossal figures which still exist,
___ carved out of one block of stone or granite. Thus we find in the
plain of Koorneh or Western Thebes, two colossi of Amunoph IIL,
(date B.C. 1400)? one of which is the well-known vocal Memmon,
each of a single block, forty seven feet in height, containing above
11,000 cubic feet, and made of a stone not known within several
day’s journey of the place. And not far off in the Memmonium,
on the same plain, is another statue of Remeses II. (date B.C.
1 Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptians, vol. iii., p. 327.
2 Wilkinson’s Ancient Egypt, vol. iii., p. 329. Ditto Egypt and Thebes,
pp. 33, et seq. Ditto Handbook for Egypt, pp. 327—339.
56 On the Method of Moving Colossal Stones.
1311)! of red granite, which when entire weighed upwards of 887
tons, and was brought from Assouan to Thebes, a distance of 138
miles. This is indeed a surprizing weight, but it has the reputation
of being the largest statue the world ever saw, and though now
shattered into several pieces, lies a perfect marvel to all beholders.
These three colossal statues I myself saw and roughly measured
last winter.
But to pass from the statues to other blocks of stone. Herodotus
describes a chamber made of a single stone? quarried at Syene,
which took two thousand labourers three years to convey to Sais,
and which was 21 cubits long, 14 broad, and 8 high, (or 31 feet in
length, 22 in breadth, and 12in height). Still more extraordinary,
not to say incredible than the last, is his second story of the
monolithic temple at Buto® which was 40 cubits, or 60 feet in
height, breadth and thickness, and which would have weighed
some 6788 tons, a tolerable bulk to move at any time, and which
would, I think, startle our most scientific engineers even with all
their clever appliances of the L9th century after Christ: what
then must it have been as many centuries before Christ, when the
lever, the wedge, and the inclined plane comprized almost all the
mechanical science the nations of antiquity possessed.
But I will not tax the credulity of the Society, by asking it to
give a blind assent to the figures of Herodotus, generally accurate _
though I hold that much maligned but most valuable author to be.
I would rather call attention to the huge masses of stone which
still exist, quite enough in number, and bulky enough in size, to
astonish us, and perplex us to account for their transport to the
sites they still occupy: all of which moreover I have myself seen,
and most of which I have measured this year.
And here the obelisks of Egypt first claim our attention.*
They were all carved in the quarries of Syene, at the first Cataracts,
and they were transported either to Thebes, a distance of 138 miles,
1 Ancient Egypt, p. 329. Handbook for Egypt, p. 331.
2 Herodotus, book ii., chap. 175. Rawlinson’s Herodotus, vol. ii. p. 267.
8 Herodotus, book ii., chap. 155. Rawlinson’s Herodotus, vol. ii., p. 140.
4 Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptians, yol. iii., pp. 329—331.
By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 57
or to Heliopolis, no less than 800 miles from the quarries. They
are each of a single block of granite, and they vary in size from
70 to 98 feet in length: the largest in Egypt, which is that of the
great temple at Karnac, has been calculated to weigh about 297
tons: and this must have been brought 138 miles. The power
however to move the mass was the same, whatever might be the
distance, and the mechanical skill which transported it five or even
one, would suffice for any number of miles. Then again the skill
of the Egyptians was not confined to the mere moving these im-
mense weights: their wonderful knowledge of mechanism is shown
in the erection of these Obelisks; and in the position of large
stones, such as those of which the pyramids are built, raised to a
considerable height, and adjusted with the utmost precision : some-
times too in situations where the space will not admit the intro-
duction of the inclined plane. Some of the most remarkable are
the lintels and roofing stones of the large temples: and the lofty
doorway, leading into the grand hall of assembly at Karnac, is
covered with sandstone blocks, above 40 feet long and 6 feet square.
Again, in one of the quarries at Assouan is a granite obelisk,’
which having been broken in the centre after it was finished, was
left in the exact spot where it had been separated from the rock :
I measured this obelisk, and found it above 95 feet in length and
11 in breadth at the largest part. The depth of the quarry is so
small, and the entrance to it so narrow, that it was impossible for
the workmen to turn the stone, in order to remove it by that
opening ; it is therefore evident that they must have lifted it out
of the hollow in which it had been cut; as was the case with all
the other shafts previously hewn in the same quarry. Such in-
stances as these suffice to prove the wonderful mechanical knowledge
of the Egyptians: and Sir Gardner Wilkinson even questions
whether with the ingenuity and science of the present day, our
engineers are capable of raising weights with the same facility as
that ancient people: while M. Lebas, well-known in France as an
eminent engineer, who removed the Obelisk of Luxor now at Paris,
q _ paid a similar tribute to the skill of the ancient Egyptians.
1 Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptiaus, vol. iii., p. 332.
58 On the Method of Moving Colossal Stones.
I have but one more instance to adduce, but that will be found
to outweigh even the stupendous obelisks and massive building
stones of Egypt. It is in Syria, at the Great Temple of Baalbec,'
within two day’s journey of Damascus, and forms part of the most
magnificent ruin the world can shew. I allude to the three? well-
known stones of enormous magnitude, now built into the foundation
wall of the temple; but which, nearly black in colour from weather
stains of countless ages, are undoubtedly far anterior even to the
ancient ruins amongst which they lie, and are of unknown antiquity.
The masonry all around is truly cyclopean: there are no less than
nine other stones each measuring 31 feet in length, 13 in height,
and 93 in width: but each of these three gigantic masses measures
above 63 feet in length, 13 in height, and 13 in thickness: and yet
they were not only moved from the quarry in the neighbouring rocks
to the site of the temple, but somehow raised to their present posi-
tion at least 20 feet above the ground, and that though each of
these stones is calculated to weigh above 900 tons. I will add as
a climax, though this is hardly a case in point, for it never was
moved, that at the quarry whence these massive stones were
obtained, one enormous block remains, ready hewn, but not quite
detached: it is even larger than the other three; being in length
68 feet, in height 14 feet, in breadth 14 feet: it thus contains
above 13,000 cubic feet, and would probably weigh more than
1100 tons. The figures given above are indeed almost incredible,
.but the stones themselves still stand to prove the correctness of the
measure given, and I measured them myself this year, and can
vouch for their accuracy.
Now after giving the above dimensions and weights, and showing
that the more civilized nations of antiquity moved their colossal
figures by the united strength of multitudes, aided by a few of the
more simple mechanical contrivances, we seem to have narrowed
our subject into trifling dimensions, for when we come now to
compare the size and bulk of the stones of Avebury or Stone-
1 Porter’s Handbook for Syria and Palestine, (Murray) vol. ii., p. 559.
*From these stones the Great Temple took the name by which it was long
called, ‘‘ Trilithon,” the three-stoned.
By the Rev. A. C. Smith. 59
henge, those stones which we have been accustomed to look up to
as of colossal proportions, now dwindle into comparative insignifi-
cance, by the side of their gigantic brethren. For (to speak only
of what I have myself seen and measured) while the statue of
Remeses weighed 887 tons, and each of the great stones of Baalbeck
weighed 900 tons, and measured 63 feet in length: the highest
stone at Stonehenge is computed to measure under 25 feet, while
the largest stone at Avebury is scarcely 20 feet in height, and its
weight about 62 tons; and this is declared by Mr. Cunnington
and announced by Mr. Long, (the very able author of Abury
Illustrated) ! to be the most massive sarsen stone in Wiltshire.?
Let me hasten to add that I do not say this in disparagement of
our famous Wiltshire temples; “the first architectural witnesses
of English religion,” as Dean Stanley calls them: * it would indeed
ill become me, as Secretary of the Wiltshire Archzological Society
to de so: and such indeed is very far from my thoughts. But to
sum up the conclusions which may perhaps be drawn from the
facts to which I have been directing attention; we may, I think,
reasonably conjecture, that those who erected Avebury and Stone-
henge, could have drawn the stones which compose them, by the
united strength of numbers, without any very great mechanical
knowledge: while in the words of Mr. Rawlinson,‘ “it is the most
reasonable supposition that the cross stones at Stonehenge and the
_ Cromlech stones, were placed in the positions where we now find
; them by means of inclined planes afterwards cleared away.”
3 But if it is here objected, that it is unsound to argue from the
practice of those considerably advanced in scientific and mechanical
} skill; and apply this argument to the practice of a nation, which
4 shows no such tokens of enlightenment: I would submit in the
f
1 Wiltshire Magazine, vol. iv., p. 336. ‘‘ The specific gravity of Sarsen stone
is about 2500 or 13 times greater than that of water. The weight per cubic
foot is 154 lbs.”
2A larger specimen stood in the same structure a few years since, but is
now unhappily destroyed; the weight of which was not less than 90 tons,”
[Iidem, p. 336. ]
5 Lectures on the Jewish Church, p. 59.
* Ancient Monarchies of the Hast, p. 500.
60 On the Method of Moving Colossal Stones.
first place, that the stones of Avebury and Stonehenge must have
been transported and erected by some means, and what more pro-
bable method can be shown? And in the next place I am not
attributing to our British architects anything like the skill of their
Assyrian and Egyptian contemporaries, who were confessedly so
far their superiors in civilization, science and art: but I do hold,
that if those advanced nations of antiquity could transport their
colossi and erect their megalithic structures (many of which mono-
liths weighed ten times more than our largest Wiltshire stones)
by the sheer force of numbers, aided only by such simple mechanical
contrivances, as the roller, the lever, and the wedge: it seems
likely that the founders of our Wiltshire temples would, with an
unlimited command of human strength, even without the assistance
of any mechanical knowledge, if we should deny them this, be able
to effect on a comparatively small scale what their more advanced
contemporaries did to such an astonishing extent. And therefore
I would claim for the early inhabitants of our downs who built
Stonehenge and Avebury, the same motto which the Wiltshire
Archeological Society of this day has adopted for its badge,
<‘ Multorum manibus grande levatur onus.”
Atrrep CHaARLEs SMITH.
Yatesbury Rectory, Calne,
July, 1865,
61
Ambreshury Alonastery.
By the Rry. Canon Jackson, F.S.A.
(@m=GHIS paper does not in any way refer to the original
. ley monastery of Monks or Friars, on the Hill of Ambrius or
Ambrosius, which in the historical account of the erection of
Stonehenge in the 5th century is mentioned as the burial-place of
the massacred British chieftains: but to a later House of Nuns
which stood upon the flat ground near the river Avon, close to the
existing church of Ambresbury.
This House of Nuns had been founded about A.D. 980, by
Elfrida, Queen Dowager of King Edgar, in atonement for the
murder of her son-in-law Edward the Martyr at Corfe Castle. It
was of the Benedictine Order, and under the patronage of St.
Mary, and of Melorus a Cornish saint whose relics were preserved.
here, but of whose title to a place in the calendar more was known
then than now.
From the time of its foundation it continued an independent
house till the reign of Henry II., when (A.D. 1177) irregularities
brought down the King’s displeasure, and the community of Nuns
was dissolved. The house was then reformed, and made a cell, or
house subordinate to the foreign Abbey of Font Evrault in Anjou,
from which a fresh Prioress and twenty four Nuns were introduced
into Wiltshire. The French Abbess, Johanna de Gennes, was in-
ducted by Richard Archbishop of Canterbury in the presence of
the King, of Bartholomew, Bishop of Exeter, and others.! From that
time it became one of the most select retreats for Ladies in the
higher ranks of life. Among royal or noble ladies connected
with Ambresbury we find the following :—
1From an old French letter printed in New Monasticon (Amesbury, No. x.)
it appears that there were also some ‘‘ Brethren,” probably a staff of chaplains,
_ &c., attached to the Monastery who as well as the sister-hood were placed under
_ the new Abbess’s controul.
62 Ambresbury Monastery.
I. Evezanor or Britany, a Nun of this House. She was
daughter of Geoffry Plantagenet (3rd son of Henry II.) and sister
of Prince Arthur. After being imprisoned at Bristol, and (on her
brother’s death) at Corfe Castle, she lived here but appears to have
died at St. James’s Priory, Bristol, as Tanner (p. 479) mentions an
order, in 1240, for the removal of her body from St. James’s to
Ambresbury.
IJ. Exzeanor Queen Dowacer or Kine Henry III. She was
the second daughter and coheiress of Raymond Berenger, count of
Provence. In 1287, fifteen years after her husband’s death, she
took the veil here about the time of the Feast of St. John the
Baptist (24th June), her dower being confirmed to her, and her
profession being dated 1286.
In M.A. Everett Wood’s “ Letters of Royal and Illustrious Ladies,”
1846, is the following notice of her connexion with Ambresbury.!
«A contemporaneous chronicler gives an interesting account of
her conventual habits. He tells us that she filled her hands with
good works; that she spent her whole time in orisons, vigils, and
works of piety; that she was a mother to the neighbouring poor,
especially to the orphans, widows and monks; and that her praise
ought to resound above that of all other women. Besides other
large charities, she distributed every Friday £5 in silver—a large
sum in those days—to the neighbouring poor. When she ex-
changed the crown for the veil—the proud title of Queen of
England for that touchingly simple one of ‘humble nun of Fon-
tevrand,’ Eleanor seems indeed to have laid aside the ‘ pomps and
vanities’ of the world, and to have devoted herself, with the zealous”
energy that characterised her ardent temperament, to works of
religion. The present letter is in favour of the abbess of Fon-
tevrand, who naturally looked for and found a powerful advocate
in her royal votaress. The subsequent one appeals too forcibly to
the feelings of domestic life to need comment. They were both
written between 1286 and 1291, the year of Eleanora’s death.
Much of the correspondence of this queen, scattered over many
1 Mr. Edward Kite of Devizes was so good as to supply the information con-
tained in the work referred to.
By the Rev. J. BE. Jackson. 63
years, still remains in the Tower of London, of which a small
portion only has been printed in the Fodera. Her letters are
principally written in Norman French, which was almost the
native language of this Provencal Queen.”
1. Eleanora Queeen Dowager of England to her son, Edward I.
«To the most noble prince and our dearest son, Edward by God’s grace King
of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Guienne, Eleanora, humble nun of
the order of Fonteyrand of the convent of Amesbury, health and our blessing.
Sweetest son, our Abbess of Fontevrand has prayed us that we would entreat
the King of Sicily to guard and preserve the franchises of her house, which
some people wish to damage. And, because we know well that he will do
much more for your prayer than for ours, for you have better deserved it, we
pray you good son, that for love of us you will request and especially require
this thing from him; and that he would command that the things which the
Abbess holds in his lordship may be in his protection and guard, and that
neither she nor hers may be molested or grieved. Good son, if it please you,
command that the billet be eee delivered. We wish you health i in the sweet
Jesus, to whom we commend you.”
2. The same to the same. (Original Letter No. 1106, Tower
of London. French).
‘¢To the most noble prince and her very dear son, Edward by God’s grace
King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Aquitaine, Eleanora, humble
nun of the order of Fontevrand, of the Convent of Amesbury, wishes health
and her blessing.
Sweetest son, we know well how great is the desire that a mother has to see.
her child when she has been long away from him, and that dame Margaret de
Nevile, companion of Master John Giffard, has not seen for a long time past
her child, who is in the keeping of dame Margaret de Weyland, and has a
great desire to see him. We pray you, sweetest son, that you will command
and pray the aforesaid Margaret de Weyland, that she will suffer that the
mother may have the solace of her child for some time, after her desire.
Dearest son, we commend you to God. Given at Amesbury the 4th day of
March.”
The Queen Dowager died 1291 or 1292. King Edward I. came
back from Scotland to give her a sumptuous funeral. Her body
was buried at Ambresbury, but her heart in the church of the
Friars Minors, London.!
1 Leaving for a moment the history of Amesbury monastery, the casual men-
tion of this Queen’s name brings to memory that of a mysterious and remark-
able person to whom she owed her elevation to the throne of England, but
: ‘about whom one would wish that something more could be discovered. The
Queen (as already stated) was one of the daughters of Raymond Berenger, (or
64 Ambresbury Monastery.
III. Tue Princess Mary, sixth daughter of King Edward I.,
took the veil as a Nun of this house, or rather as a Nun of Font
Evrault but resident at Ambresbury in A.D. 1285. (13. Edw. I.)
An account of this ceremony, in which thirteen noble young ladies
entered with her, is given in Mrs. Green’s Lives of the Princesses
of England. vol. ii. p. 405. The Princess is said in one record
to have been Prioress: but this is not confirmed. Her retreat was
against the wishes of the King and Queen but was urged by the
Queen Dowager. For the maintenance (the “ Camera,” as it was
called) of his daughter, King Edward allowed at first £100 a year.
In 1291 he increased this by £20 a year of oak timber out of
Chute Forest and £20 from Buckholt Forest for her fuel: the
Sheriff of Hants being charged to see the said fuel duly delivered
at the King’s expense. The King also assigned to her 20 casks of
wine yearly to be delivered by the Bailiff of the port of Southamp-
ton. By a later deed, in 1801, he gave her in lieu of all this,
Belinger, in Italian, Berlinghieri) Count of Provence. The Count had four
daughters, all of whom became Queens. Margaret the eldest was married to
Louis IX. (St. Louis) of France. Eleanor, the second daughter, was wife of
Henry III. of England. Sanchia, the third, married Henry’s brother, Richard
Earl of Cornwall, King of the Romans and of Almaine, and Beatrice, the
youngest, was wife to Charles of Anjou, King of Naples and Sicily, brother to
Louis. The mysterious person through whose able management these four
royal matches were arranged is briefly known to us as one Roméo. [This name
signified a person who went on pilgrimage to Rome. It is familiar to us in
Shakespeare as Romeo the e being pronounced short: but properly the pronun-
ciation was Romayo]. He appeared as a pilgrim at the court of Provence,
under that asswmed name, and rose through extraordinary cleverness to be
superintendent of Raymond Berenger’s finances, and affairs in general. But
after a long and faithful stewardship certain enemies about the court filled
Raymond’s mind with unjust suspicions, and upon an account being demanded
from Roméo of the revenue which he had carefully husbanded, and which his
master had lavishly disbursed, Roméo simply called for his little mule, the staff
and scrip, with which, as a stranger from the shrine of St. James in Galicia, he
had entered the Count’s service: and so, parted as he came: nor was it ever
known who he was or whither he went. Such is G. Villani’s account, Lib. vi.,
c. 92. Dante has rescued him from oblivion by giving to him a place in the
planet Mercury : the sphere which the great poet furnishes with the good spirits
of those who laboured for honour and renown but were defrauded of it.
“ Within the pearl that now encloseth us
Shines Romeo’s light, whose goodly deed and fair
Met ill acceptance,” &c. (Paradiso, Canto, yi.]
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 65
Corsham manor worth £97 a year, also from Wilton borough and
Berford £4 a year, from Sherston manor (N. Wilts) £60 a year,
Porstock co. Dorset, £18, Hurdcot co. Somerset, £17, and from
Freshwater and Whitfield in the Isle of Wight, £70 138s. 4d.,
being total £266 183s. 4d. a year. Her brother King Edward II.
gave her in 1317,a further allowance of 100 marks (£66 138s. 4d.);
to be paid partly by the value of 10 casks of wine from South-
ampton.
: “ Many curious and interesting particulars respecting her,” (says
_ M.A. Everett Wood) “are to be found in the wardrobe accounts of
the period. From these we gather very different ideas of conventual
life in the thirteenth century from those that we are wont to form
of it in the nineteenth. During the earlier years of her profession
Mary was under the government of her grandmother, Eleanora of
Provence, who entered the convent in 1286, but as she advanced
in years she was by no means confined within the walls of the
5 cloister. She paid frequent visits to the courts of her father and
brother; she went on pilgrimages to the most famous shrines ;
nay, when the state of her health required it, she was even per-
mitted to change her residence for the sake of the air. On two
: _ occasions she took upon herself a singular office for a veiled lady—
she attended her step mother Queen Margaret during her con-
_ finement of her second son Edmund of Woodstock, and afterwards
- accompanied the royal mother on a pilgrimage of thanksgiving.
A few years afterwards she performed the same good office for her
niece Elizabeth de Burgh. In the affairs of the convent Mary
took an active part; though she never aspired to the rank of
Prioress, she was invested with power to visit all the establishments
of the same order in England, and to administer discipline, reproof
or correction, as she thought fit. She closed a life of unwearied
activity about the year 1333, having survived by some years the
_ whole of her family. The following letter was written to her
| brother Edward II., about the election of a Prioress of Amesbury.
The nuns were always anxious to secure one of their own Convent
as their superior, while the Abbess of Fontevrand, with whom the
choice rested, frequently imposed upon them a Prioress from the
) you. x.—no. xxviu. E
66 Ambresbury Monastery.
parent Abbey. Her ‘cousin tke Abbess,’ of whom Mary speaks,
was Eleanor of Bretagne, granddaughter of Henry III., by his
daughter Beatrice, who had been educated at Amesbury, and sub-
sequently became Abbess of Fontevrand. The letter is undated,
but from its being written at Swainton, it was probably penned
subsequently to 1315, when that manor became the property of
the Princess in exchange-for that of Cosham in Wiltshire, and:
before the year 1317, when Eleanor of Bretagne ceased to be
Abbess of Fontevrand.” .
The Princess Mary, to her brother King Edward IT.
‘* To the very high and noble prince, her very dear lord and brother, my lord
Edward, by the grace of God King of England, his sister Mary sends health
and all manner of honour and reverence.
Very dear Sire, as a long time has passed since God did His will upon our
prioress Dambert, we immediately after her death sent to our very dear cousin
the lady Abbess of Fontevrand, both on my part and on that of the Convent,
asking for a lady from this our Convent, to wit, for the Lady Isabella, whom
we understand to be well able and sufficient for the office, that she might be
granted to us for our prioress. And we thought, dear sire, that she (the Abbess)
would have willingly granted us our request, for she is bound to do so since she
was brought up and veiled amongst us, and so she should neither wish nor
permit that the church should be so long without prelates ; but as yet we have
had no answer, only we understand from certain people that she intends to send
us a prioress from beyond the sea there, and a prior by her counsel out there,
And know, certainly, my very dear brother, that should she send any other
than one belonging to our own Convent, it would prove matter of discord in the
Convent, and of the destruction of the goods of the church, which I know well,
sire, that you would not suffer willingly and wittingly ; wherefore I pray you
dearest lord and brother, and require you, both for the love of me and of our
Convent, which after God trust surely in you, that you would please to send
word to my said lady abbess, that she do not undertake to burden our church
with any prioress out of the Convent, nor with prior other than the one we
have now, but that she would grant us her whom we have requested. Do this,
most dearest brother, that our Convent may receive your aid and sustenance
in this case as they have always done in their needs. May Jesus Christ give
you a long life, my dearest brother. Written at Swainton, in the Isle of Wight,
the 9th day of May.”
IV. Leonora, half-sister of the Princess Mary, and ninth
daughter of King Edward, lived at Ambresbury Nunnery with her:
and dying 1311, was buried at Beaulieu Monastery, Hants.
VY. Marcarer Cospuam of the great House of Cobham in Kent
was a Nun here in 19 Edw. III.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 67
The List or Priorrsses on Azprsses is very imperfect. In
the following are one or two names not hitherto noticed.’
A.D. 1211. Emenina. (Hunter’s Berkshire Fines, p. 145.)
1294. Joan pe Gennes, from Font Evrault.
1308. Jonanna. (Wilts Institutions.)
— Damperr. (See preceding letter.)
1349. Marcery DE Piresrooxe. (Wilts Institutions.)
1420. Srp1miza DE Monracure, died this year. (Pedigree
of Duke of Manchester.)
1438. Jouanna. (Wilts Institutions.)
1486. 16th May, Atice Fisuer. (See Wilts Collections,
Aubrey & Jackson, p. 199, ‘‘ Wanborough.”)
1534. Fiorence Bormewe. (Valor Eccles.)
1539. Joanna Darett. The last.
“ As early as 1535 or 1536,” (says M. A. Everett Wood) “an at-
tempt had been made on the part of (Secretary) Cromwell’s emissaries
to persuade the prioress voluntarily to surrender her monastery into
_. the King’s hands, but this she steadily refused. Dr. Tregonnel and
_ his fellow commissioners thus addressed Cromwell on the subject ”:—
“«¢ Wecame to Ambresbury, and there communed with the Abbess
for the accomplishment of the King’s highness’ commission in like
; sort; and, albeit we have used as many ways with her as our poor
wits could attain, yet, in the end we could not, by any persuasions,
bring her to any conformity, but at all times she resteth and so
remaineth in these terms: ‘If the King’s highness command me to
go from this house I will gladly go, though I beg my bread; and
as for pension I care for none.’ In these terms she was in all her
- communication, praying us many times to trouble her no farther
herein for she had declared her full mind, in the which we might
plainly gather of her words she was fully fixed before our coming.’
1 In the New Monasticon (p. 334), and in Sir R. C. Hoare’s “‘ Amesbury,” p. 72,
the first known Abbess is said to have been Isabella of Lancaster, fourth daugh-
ter of Henry, Earl of Lancaster, and grand-daughter to Edmund Crouchback
son of Henry III., and the date given to her is A.D. 1202. This date must
certainly be an oversight ; as the Earl of Lancaster died 1345. But it is very
_ doubtful whether she was an Abbesshere at all. Aconbury in co. Hereford, and
not Amesbury in Wilts, appears to have been the nunnery over which Isabella
of Lancaster presided. See Notes and Queries, 3rd series, vol. vii., p. 76.
E 2
68 Ambresbury Monastery.
Her steadiness averted for a while the dreaded crisis, but at
length the Royal mandate arrived. Very sorrowful were the
feelings with which many of the recluses abandoned the houses
where they had intended to find an Asylum to the close of life, and
to which some of them had bequeathed their ample fortunes, and
found themselves dependant on the capricious charity of Henry
VIiI., but their only resource was in the mournful submissiveness
of which the following letter affords a specimen. The death of the
writer almost immediately after, saved her from any share in the
impending calamities of her convent.”
Florence Bormewe, Prioress, to Lord Cromwell, Lord Privy Seal.
‘¢ Right honourable my singular good lord,
I humbly recommend me unto your good lordship, and have received the
King’s most gracious letters and yours, touching the resignation of my poor
office in the monastery of Ambresbury ; according to the purport of which letters
and your good advertisement I have resigned my said office into the hands of
the King’s noble grace, before the commissioners thereto appointed ;, trusting
that such promises as the same commissioners have made unto me for assurance
of my living hereafter shall be performed, And so I most humbly beseech your
good lordship, in the way of charity, to be means for me unto the King’s high-
ness, that I may be put in surety of my said living, during the little time that
it shall please God to grant me tolive. And I shall continually during my
time pray to God for the preservation of the King’s most excellent no[ble] grace,
and your honourable estate long to endure, At the poor monastery [of] Am-
bresbury the 10th day of this present month, August.
‘« By your poor O[ratrice],
*¢ Vlorence Bof[rmewe],
‘* Late Prioress [there ].”’
In A.D. 1501, Queen Katharine of Arragon upon her arrival in
England lodged here on her progress to London from Exeter: and
the following instructions were issued for her reception.
‘To be lodged on Saturday 30 Oct. at Shaftesbury Abbey that night and the
next day following which shalbe the Sonday, and Monday all day which shall
be All Alonday [All Hallows day].
Item ij or iij myles befor she come to Shaftesbury to be mette with Sir Morys
Barowe, John Mompesson, Thomas Long, John York, and others to conyey her
to Ambresbury, and ther departe.
Item the Tewsday next ensuying which shalbe the ij of the said moneth
(2 Noy.), the said princess accompanyd with the said Sir Morice Barowe and
th’oder shall disloge from Shaftesbury and drawe towardes Ambresbury, and
ther loge the next night in thabbey.
Item it is appoynted that my Lady of Norfolk, with certain ladies awaiting
upon her, at the naming of the quene and my lord tresourer, be at Ambresbury
Na
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 69
upon Monday the xxv‘ day of October, ther and then to mete and receyve the
said princesse after the maner folowing, that is to saie, my lord tresourer. ac-
companyed with the Bishops of Bathe and Hereford, the abbots of Abindon and
Redyng, my lord Dacre of the South, my lord Zouche, Sir Robert Poyntz, Sir
Wm. Sandes, Sir John Seymor, Sir Christopher Wroughton, Sir John Brereton
and Sir John Chok, to mete her iij or iiij myles befor she come to Ambresbury.
And the said Duchess of Norfolk to receyve her after her offring in some con-
venient place betwix that and her loging; at which tyme Wm. Hollybrand
which shall awaite upon her, shall in the Spanyshe song, in the name of the
said duchesse, welcome the said princesse with such wordes as be delyvered to
him in writing, And that the said duchesse have warning therof, and the said
Hollybrand, by my lord chamberlayn.
Item that there be a chare redy at Ambresbury the same tyme for the said
princesse to put her in the next day, or at any other tyme when it shall please
her.
Item the Wensday next folowing (3 Nov.) she shall disloge from Ambresbury
and draw towards Andover and ther loge in the inn of Thaungell.” *
The monastery and its precincts, including garden, orchards,
fishponds, cemetery, &c., covered 12 acres of ground. No plan or
view of the buildings appears to be in existence, and of their style
or character nothing is known. In the beginning of King Edw.
-IYV.’s. reign, about A.D. 1461, they had suffered by fire. This we
learn incidentally from an old document called “A Wrytyng an-
nexed to the will of Margaret Lady Hungerford and Botreaux ;”
in which she recapitulates all the costs and expenses she had been
put to by the troubles that befell her family in the Wars of the Roses.
“Item, at such tyme as I was by the Chanceler of Ingland put in the Abbay
of Amesbury, and ther kept by the Kyng’s comm’ndement, by fortune of fyre
all my meoyable goods, that is to say, beddis of cloth of goolde, beddis of aras
and of silke, hangyngis of aras for hallis and chambris, plate, monay, and other
stuffe, to the value of a Thousand pounds and more, and the chief loggyng of
the same place where I was in, cover’d with lede, by the said infortune was
brent and pulled downe, of which the new bildyng and amendyng coste me
£200: sum £1200.”
The monastery was granted at the Dissolution (31 Henry VIII.)
to Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford (afterwards the Protector
Somerset): and with it so much of the estates as had been held in
their own occupation by the nuns. This consisted of 290 selions
of arable land called ‘Acres,’ lately cultivated by the Prioress,
and valued at 4d. an acre per annum: feeding for 374 sheep in
the common pasture of Ambresbury: a piece called the Park, 6
* Letters and Papers illustrative of H. VII. Gairdner, vol. i., p. 407.
70 Ambresbury Monastery.
acres: 22 acres of meadow in Helemede, Lavender Mead, Le Folds,
Rackmead, Birchmead, and Abbey Bekermead: four dovehouses,
a fishery in the Avon, and the value of 2 waggon-loads of wood
every day throughout the year, from Chute forest, Grovely and
Bradley wood, granted to the monastery by Henry II. One of
the grounds is described in the Earl of Hertford’s original Register
of Estates, (from which these particulars are taken) as “ lying next
the great stones called Bounds.”
“Lands appoynted to th’Erle of Hertford in ExcHAUNGE betwene
Kyng’s Majestie and the seid Erle. (Original at Longleat.)
xxviij"® Die Januii.
Ano xxxij* Henr. viij. & a ulate:
Fyrst, the yerly value of the lands of Shene .......-.. evi. iiij.
Itm, the lands of Saint Margarett’s, Marleburgh ...... ix. v. viij.
Itm, the lands of Saynt Augustine juxta vill. Bristol .. _ iiij.
Itm, the lands of Bradenstocke valuyd at ............ xyiij. Xviij.
Itm, the lands of Ambresbury, valuyd at.............. xi, xiiij.
Ttm, mor of the seid monastery .............200 00000 xliiij. Vv. Viij.
Itm, of the late monastery of Bathe.................. vi 0. a2G,
Itm, the lands of the late monastery of Henton....... xvij. vi. YViij.
Suma Tot, of all the premysses...........+..05 CXV1. LXV pap.
Adde therto for the soile and spryng of the woods of
ES HGIUONE YOR Y chil sin wists! cckale cue ee ne whee Bd aawise bub e ele ws XXxii. iijj.
And so the holle lands appointed to the Erle of Hertford
with the sprying of the woods of Buckholte, persons Throte > cxiij. Ixvie
and Noddes copis dothe amounte yerly to the Some of
Wherof deduct yerly for the Tenths xi. xvij. 0, and so
Rempynetinneleres fers seid ee asia sbi oteiae aiaiel= ed efodjaims OVI. RAVE
The yallue of the woods of Buckholte, The copis called
Throte and Nodes to be sold hac vice for Reddy mony clij. xv. iiij.
The vallue of the leades of Ambresbury—Cvy foodders vicv'. de vi'®. wherof
abated for pe _Wast and ay as yt paneer by the certificate of the
M4‘. the Kyngs lands dothe Brena to the some of ..... LC]. ele aes
Wherof ther ys to be abatyd for the Recompence of the lands
of the seid Erle lxix". ys, v3. And so remaynethe £xxvii.
vijs. 034. Wherof deducte for the Kyngs Gyft £xvij. vii’.
034, : And so remaynethe clere x", wiche must be Reseryyd :
and then the holle Reservaycon must be to the Kyng’s grace
Xxl. Xyij. 0.
M®‘. the seid Erle must paye for leade and the woods of
Ambresbury in mony to the Kyng £pxlvii. ii. vij. to be
payd in forme followyng: That is to sey in hand c¥, And
di
‘
"
4
.
7
=
is
*
"
“3
<pre>
SN RRL,
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 71
at the feast of the Nativyte of our lord then next cel.
and at the next said Feast ecxlvii". ii. vii.
M‘. the Kyngs Magestie must discharge the seid Erle of
all incombraunces except leasses, and except viij". for the
cellary (salary) of a priest to serve the Cure of Ambresbury,
and vij’. vit. for synods and proxters (procurations) to the
Archdeacon of Salisbury,
M‘. that one for the seid Erle must be bounden in decophimnnes for the
woods growyng in the woods of Shene appoynted to the seid Erle. And in
the lands called Est grafton, West grafton Burbage, belonging to the late
monastery or pryory of Saynt Margarett’s juxta Marleburgh : and in the lands
called Baggeruge parcell of the possessyons of Saint Augustine juxta vill’
Bristoli, Littelleott, the manor of Eston parcell of the late monastery of
Bradenstocke: And the Burgage and the parsonage of Ambresbury, late parcell
of the late monastery of Ambresbury, And of Lullington, Backyngton, and
Longeleate cum membris, parcell of the late monastery or pryory of Henton yn
the Cowntie of Somerset.
‘‘ Rychard Ryche.”
That the Earl of Hertford, coming into possession of a vast
range of monastic buildings, the tenants of which had been scatter-
ed and the establishment finally extinguished by law, would desire
to take down the larger part of the monastery itself, was perhaps to
be expected. But that for the sake of the value of certain tons of
lead, a fine church should have been stripped and spoliated of
all that was not only upon it, but within it, must be pronounced
to be an act of simple barbarism. That the Crown officers did so
with respect to Amesbury Church, will be shown beyond doubt
from the following papers.
The first of them is preserved in the Augmentation Office: and
has been already printed ‘in Sir R. C. Hoare’s History of S. Wilts.
(Hundred of Ambresbury p. 67.) It is a paper of instructions as
to the monastery and church, issuing of course from the Crown.
“ Houses and buildings assigned to remayn undefaced.
_ The lodging called the Priore’s Lodging, viz, halle, buttre, pantrye, kytchyn
and gate-house, as it is enclosed within oon quadraunte unto the convent
kytchyn: the longe stable with the hey barne adjoining: the whete barne, the
baking house, and the gate with the gate-house in the base courte.
Committed to the custodie of John Barwik, servaunte to the Erle of Hertford.*
Deemed to be Superfiuous.
The Church, Cloister, Frayter, Dormitory and Chaptre-house: the Convent
Kytchen, with all the houses adjoyning to the same: thé old Infirmary, with
the Chapell, Cloister, and lodgings adjoyning: the Sextery with houses joyning
*See Wilts Arch. Magazine viii, 299.
72 Ambresbury Monastery.
.to the same: the styward’s, receyvor’s, auditor’s and preest’s lodgings: and all
oder houses in the Base Court above not reserved.
Committed as aboyesaid. (i.e. to Mr. Berwick’s custody.)
Leades remayning upon
The church, quere, iles, steple, chapells, revestry,* cloister, Licnlates halle
and chambers there, with the gutters belonging to the same, esteemed at cexxx
foders.
Bells remayning.
In, the atecple Gnomes. ie Fas <5 ves nately « liij.
POLS MB Ys OS UA RCUON whee yate eee et fs pice tein efoiay als’ Mecce. weight.
Juells reserved.
To the use of the king’s Magestie............ None.
Plate of sylver reserved to the same use viz.
BEGR= (Fy tO ais «via pars Sls AIT TSR e aS Satan ccyj. ounces.
Silver;parcbll Pylte, Gece eet. 84 foie «pale nea exl. ounces.
Silver white......... Fetidvne ths itebicwiet sous cccxij. ounces.
Ornaments reserved.
To the use abovesaid, wiz. .........0.0 0020s None. sow vas
The ornaments, goods and chattels sold by the commissioners
PORIDZOD ie worn eps yen witty le Jo's o's 'e ehaielegela ohio e tists Nie Oe cle earner 147 5 2
Whereof was me to 33 late religious women, of the King’s
WOWAEG: ti! Licvsias sides Mas se hie hitb hide ride Poheniss loc 74 3 4
And to 37 persons viz, 4 priests and 33 servants for
WBE GRIANG (LY;VELIERs eyorcjnuceie Aine s cies ers re cyete eles Siok oot 31 8 4/ 105 118
is 41 136
The debts owing by the Monastery were.................... 20 145
And so remayneth clere 20 191
“The records and evidences of the monastery ought to be in
existence, as they were specially reserved under lock and key “ for
the King’s Majesty.”
According to the preceding document there were two consecrated
buildings belonging to the monastery, viz., the principal church,
and the chapel of the Infirmary. The latter was undoubtedly
destroyed. The former was apparently sentenced to be destroyed,
being “deemed superfluous:” and the following papers certainly
describe considerable havoc in stripping off lead, pulling down
a spire, selling paving tiles, &c., &c. And further, one of
them states that a certain quantity of the lead was reserved “ to
be placed upon the chancel of the Parish Church.” This at first led
me to suppose that there must have been two large churches: but
* For “‘ Revestiary,” Fr. revestiaire, Latin, revestio: the place where the dresses of the Clergy were
reposited.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 73
as there is no trace or tradition of any other large one than the
present parish church which is of great antiquity: and as the
measurements of the monastic church corresponded very closely
(as the documents show) with those of the present church, it is
most likely that (as at Edington in Wilts), one and the same build-
ing served both for the monastery and the parish. This seems to
be confirmed by the fact that in the Episcopal Registry at Sarum
(as printed in the “ Wilts Institutions”) there are no Presentations
of a clerk to Amesbury church before.the Dissolution of monasteries.
The Abbess had been Rector and had supplied a chaplain for parish
work: and in the Earl of Hertford’s “ Exchange” (printed above)
it is particularly stated that on becoming owner the Earl was
charged with £8 a year “for the salary of a Priest to serve the Cure.”
The following papers show that before the Dissolution there was
upon the present square tower, a spire 61 feet in height. Also a
high altar and choir 51 feet long, a chapel of our Lady anda
chapel of St. John; both of which may perhaps be identified by
the piscine remaining, two in the modern vestry, and one in the
_ §.E. angle of the present south aisle of the nave. Against the
i tower walls are still to be seen dripstone lines which may represent
the older roofs that were stripped of lead at the Dissolution:
and upon the east side of the south transept there are also indica-
tions of a chapel or other addition. By the “South Aisle 39 feet
_ long” and the “North Aisle 40 feet long” mentioned in the fol-
lowing papers are perhaps meant the present transepts.
_. The papers also give some idea of the extent of the monastic
j buildings: viz., a cloister 104 feet long, a dorter (or dormitory)
200 feet long; a “ Frater” (or refectory) 110 feet; a ‘ Jessy,” ?
1A “Jesse” in architectural language is generally understood to have been
a particular kind of window: in which the mullions appear to spring from a re-
cumbent figure of Jesse, the father of King David: the different compartments
of the window being so arranged as to contain his various descendants: the
whole being a representation of the genealogy of Christ. No account of any
building or part of a building so called having been met with, it may be con-
jectured, in default of better information, that there may have been at Amesbury
Monastery some gallery or large room, at the end of which may have been a Jesse
indow : and the apartment being remarkable from that peculiarity, may have
Topen called ‘the Jesse.”
-
74 Ambresbury Monastery.
110 feet; and a hall 70 feet. Among other apartments mentioned
were Kent’s chamber 65 feet, the Abbess’s chamber 25 feet, the
old parlour 22 feet; Joan Horner’s chamber, Maurice Halcombe’s
chamber, and some small ones called The Leaden Chambers.
The documents alluded to, relating to the destruction of Ambres-
bury monastery, were lately found at Longleat.
No. 1. “The Content of the lead upon the late monastery of
Ambrusburie viewed by Christopher Dreye and George’ Hinde,
plumbers, at the comaundement of Thomas Cumine the King’s
Sergeaunt Plumber xxij” of September, the xxxij” yere of the reign
of our Soverayn Lord King Henry the VIII”.
Furste, a stepe roof over the High Altar and Quire covered with
lead, in length 51 foot, and in depth on either side 24 foot ........ 6 15
Item, a spere roof over the steeple covered with lead, in height
61 foot, containing 8 panes (sides or faces), every pane in breadth at
the skirts 10 foot, and in the middle 7 foot, and in the top the
Foder cwt.
taper growen to 6 inches. ......-.-- se eeeeee ee tree esse eee eeee: 10 0
Item, a steep roof over the South aisle, covered with lead, in
length 39 foot, and in depth on either side 24 foot ......... Pepe Pe
Item, a steep roof over the North aisle, in length 40 foot, and in
depth on either side 20 foot..... 1... e+s-ee errr teres we ietg ots yee 4 2
Item, a steep roof over the body of the church, covered with lead,
in length 120 foot, and in depth on either side 24 foot.........+-. 14 6
Item, a flat roof over the Vestry, covered with lead, in length 22
foot, and in depth over 16 foot .........+0+e++- Arstelee + Aalst sateen
Item, a flat roof over the Chapel of our Lady, covered with lead,
in length 32 foot, and in breadth on the one side 13 foot, antl on the
Other wide 12 footer wee. tess. Se cites cle clove w ulotavevsle ele! a faiave anaes 1 1
Item, a flat roof over St. John’s Chapel, containing six times ten
foot square and 50 other foot...........-0e eee ee eee e ener e es 16
Item, a flat roof over the Cloyster, covered with lead, containing
4 squares, every square in length 104 foot, and in depth 12 foot.... 12 0
Item, a flat roof over the Dorter,* covered with lead; and in
length 200 foot, in depth on either side 18 foot........ +... +++ 20 18
Item, a flat roof over the Frater,+ covered with lead, in length
110 foot, and in depth on either side 15 foot ......+..+++++-+++ 05 7ZL46
Item. a flat roof over the Jessye, covered with lead, in length 110
foot, and in depth on either side 16 foot ......-..+seeeeeee eens 7 16
Item, a flat roof over the Hall, covered with lead, in length 70
foot, in depth on either side 14 foot.......- se. eee serene eeee cere Sepae
Item, a flat roof over Kent’s chamber, covered with lead, in length
65 foot, and in depth on either side 10 foot ..........-.ee+eeese 2 12
* Dormitory ; in French, dortoir.
+ Refectory. 3
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 75
: Foder ewt.
Item, a flat roof over the Abbess’s chamber, covered with lead, in
length 24 foot, and in depth on either side 14 foot. ....-..-.+-.+- 1 10
Item, a bastard roof over the old parlour, covered with lead, in
length 22 foot, and in depth on either side 22 foot ........ ..... 2 3
Item, a little entry from the Hall to the Kitchen with a vice
(spiral staircase), covered with lead....... 00 1... seer eres eee eee Peed
Item, a roof over Joane Horner’s chamber crested with lead.... 0 10
Item, a roof covered with lead over the little chamber, called The
Meneen Chambers We oss tea uve lielsseicelececcs ccetes succeccasees 2eO
No. 2. Extracts from “ William Nottingham’s Payments for
costs and charges of trying, melting and casting of the lead, 31
March, 32 H. VIII.”
The work lasted 10 weeks; John Plomer 6d. a day with meat and drink.
John Roger, carpenter, 6d. a day, finding himself. ‘‘ The same John for pullies
and ropes to make tackling to pluck down the spire.” Five other men 6d. a
day, finding themselves. They worked on Good Friday, ‘lacking four hours.”
On Thursday and Friday in Easter week the spire was plucked down.
On the 2nd July the glass was pulled down, and the iron was weighed.
Other items were for ‘penny halters and halfpenny halters, spades and
showels,’ ‘gress for the pollis’ (yrease for the pullies), handbarrow, sand, a
mason to make the furnace, &c. eigtiet
Wm. Bawdewyn was the watch-man who sat up all night to watch the
lead and for his vigilance he received 4d. a night.
For 2lb. of gunpowder bought at Sarum, to fire the great timber of the
steeple. 2s. 8d.
_ For 2 line cords, one to fire the gunpowder in the steeple and the other to
make fast the great gable 12d.
For the hire of Mr. Bundye’s horse to ride to Easton (near Pewsey) to
speak with Mr. Berwyk about the pulling down of the steeple 4d.
For an ox hyde to make a pair of bellows to melt the lead ashes 6s. 8d.
For a load of charcoal to melt the same ashes 8s,’ ”
No. 3. “ Receptis of the Superfluous Houssis of the lat Monastery
of Amesbury belongyng to the Rygth Honorable Erylle of Hert-
ford, A°. R. Henrici Octavi tricesimo primo. (31 Hen. VIII.)
8. .
Ttem, x® day February, Umpfre Lovyngbone for a Silyng
(ceiling) and bords of one Chamber by the Lytell Cloysters.... iiij.
"a Item, xvi. day Feb., Nicholas Noors of Chaldryngton for pav-
_ yng tyell before the hye Auter, The Vestre, with all the Gryffes
Stonys (grave-stones) befor the hye Auter...............00005 vij.
Item, iiij day Marche, Thomas Hayle, Tudworth; for ij Tombe
_ Stonys in the North Ile ............ SLEEK DEE Sie HBR v:
Item, xij day March, The Churchwardens of Shypton for a
porcion pavyng tyell yn the Sowth Ie by thechurchdour...... ij. ij.
76 Ambresbury Monastery.
Item, x** day Octob', Willyam Chafyn, Boltisford, for a Tombe
SUB tole Gein asin evogaleiateia stare als etalnastase Biatele esa chads amos vss Spor
Solde by my Lordis comadement.
Ultimo die August Av. R. Regis Henrici Octavi xxxij.
Item, xvi Sep., Amis Collens, Netherhayen for xv pavyng tyells
And eAltbOOSHENS wi vellestarOs ie.%s)5,0 +\5)1Nae o's wee ate cies «Tore - dele teielsle
Item, xii day Oct., Hugh Long, West Amesbury, for the Olde
Stabulls, contaynyng iiij Rooms, The tyell of a euttyng at the end
by estimacion cc. : wythe alle the face stonys to the same house be-
MGYPRY DE Osan, roa tela i Meteueiae easton arstarean eiersucieiobatd ope isnaiav sic ottnerate Raatevene
Item, xxx Oct. Warnar Hayle of Rumsey for a fayt (vat) that
wasn the Covent duaumdre’. si... <1 12 cel se) b alslen win cin Sieielreieiee
Item, xiij Feb., Wyllyam Notyngham, Amesbury, for the Payll
(paling) by the Churche door, the Covent Syde, the Semitory
( CEMeTErt/) MINEO MAL WOn 47. lots clots tale eleirie lei tatcters trie a gis ola ieee tae
Item, xxiiij Feb., the Church wardens of Fitulton for one Plot
pavyng tyell yn the Great Cloyster..............-..0seeceerss
Item, Sir Wyllyam Edway, Amesbury, for sertayn olde glasse and
PLE MOUNARIO\MONTEHO MC ee meee ies mite elem vic eieln Semele cette
Item, iij June, Mathew Kyngton, Ludgersall, for the dorter dour
Item, John Monday, Buddisden, for sertayn Greyn stone, not
Malte '.a ood wre rtrwucnrs!s ck. cee re cle sareiavcieieca's la sete» apes Gieteterete
Item, xvij June; Wyllyam Sowyth gent., West Amesbury, for
the Rooffe of the Vestre, with all the Tymber tothe same be longyng,
a chambur yn the lytell Cloister of xv footes longe, xvij foots brode,
the Stere lofte Silyng, with all the Tymbur of the same. Also one
Tombe stone of the Lesser sworte (Sort) ..........0.-.eeneeees
Item, John Sadlar, Amesbury, 1 grond syll pece, ij smale pecis
Item, xviij June, Mathewe Kyngton, Ludgersall, for a lytell
housse that stode in the Covent syde.............2.--..200----
Item, viij July, Nicholas Smyth, Amesbury, for ix pecis of olde
tymber, and for a part of a olde Steres................sseeeves
Item, xj July, Thomas Fyveasch, John Richards, Church-
wardens, Fytulton, for sertayne pavyng Tyellin the gret Cloister,
a plot atthe dortersdoptpectertte 5 atecls otete cis arstaelsnesialnvelaielobieisters
Item, xviij July, John Andrewes, Amesbury, for the boords of the
flour ‘yn the Tueenem BANG gee para aineisiaeya:s's plaisir ways wie endae ae
Item, xix July, Robert Pederell, Amesbury, for the Midel ae
by the rate, the Rooffe, too flours, the Steres, with all the Tymber
contayned withyn the stone walles of the same. Item, the seyd
Robert to take downe the Sclat, too cary the same, and set hytt in
goode order at hys coste and charge...... 0.2. .6.-.-ss0sceeves
Item, xx July, John Andrews, Amesbury, for serteyne Tymbur
of the Spyur, as Rafturs, wyth other Short peces of the Norythe Ile
ix,
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson.
Item, xxvi July, Bawden Lenton, Duryngton, for the Tymbur
and bords of the flour of wygth (white) chambors, wyth too peces
Sennar of tlie Bpyare (at. io take ce eases’ chee aweee ee
Item, xxyij July, Nycholas Smyth, Amesbury, for all the Tymbur
and bords of the gret Cloister lackyng one loode..............++.
Item, Nicholas Smyth, for the Sylyng and Tymbur of Maistris
see Rampur, MN the SESS asus ccc es cdss cs eessseepene
Item, xxyiij July, Thomas Atkyns, Boltisford, for bords and
tymbur of the flour of Jane Hyldislee’s Chambur, aa iiij bords of
the flour of Maris Aleom’s (Maurice Haleombe’s) Chambur ......
Soma,
Anno R. Henrici Octavi xxxiiij.
Item, xxiiij Sept. John Coulls, Amesbury, for the broken wode
that fell downe of the Spyur, and of the Roof of the Sowyth Ile,
MER CUH ET NALLCT! POGIR: ros .ejceia Seldie.c-se'sate ote she eels ars aeteha some
Item, the same day, Symon Reef, Chesunbury, for a hundred and
fene pavyng tyell in the Chapter house .................0.05.
Item, ij Oct., Wyllyam Ratway, Amesbury, for one Rafter pece
oaks Koss ura lucs Wu o'suralo'wtalcin/Gy'e)s'oida’e"e'aieta}ala'ece «s,s 2'0
Item, the same day, Gylbart Netherhavyn for viiij boosheles
_ tylle shards, and for sertayne Greyn ston that was smalle........
Item, v Dee., Wyllyam Crasse, Chesonbnry, for a hundrede and
a hallffe pavyng Tyell .................. MLR OAMT VALERIE) sO
Item, Gafere Gunter, Fytulton, for ij c. pavyng tyelle ........
Item, vj Dec., Michaell Scot, Amesbury, for j lytell wyndow, ij
__ wyndoolyddes, e letell ee pecis, a planke v foots long, xij
foots tymbur, A porcion Tyell shards and broke ................
Item, viij December, Thomas Haull, Oxsonwode, for the particion
_ of the parlar chambur that was Maistr*s., Cristina Hyldislee’s, The
q _tymbur, the lytell buttre, joynyng to the particion. Also the Buttre
Ewe ORR ROBES A i rer SalI Sea ae eee oes a
Item, xxxj Dec., Richard Root, Alyngton, for vj boosshells Tyell
ERS SEES A gi a
Item, xvij Jan’. Thomas Haull, Oxsonwode, for ij hundred thre-
TY 1 GS en 0 A ee
Item, xxij Jan’., John Symons, Duryngton, tyell shards ......
_ Item, xxiiij Jan’., Thomas Goldyng, Netherhavyn, for halffe c.
= Greyn batts,* j booshell Tyell shardes ................0ceceece
Item, xxvj Jan’., John Lege, Netherhavyn, for vij booshells
SREREORS ere ites csi SAI he Uhl) on Sh ems cede op sys
_ Item, fora bour-stye be hynd the Gret baryne Gar). 185-0
Item, xxvij Jan’., Robart Rodmon, Tudworth, for seveyne
* Perhaps broken pieces, as we now say, a mised
8 d.
ij. ij
xlyi. viij
ae
ij.
£x. 0. xiv.
xyi.
xyi.
ij.
ij. itij.
iiij. viij.
iiij.
78 Ambresbury Monastery.
Item, Sir Stevyn Liones, Vicar, Amesbury, for a privy house by
the hen-cowrts, and for yj pecis of the Tymbur of the Stepull....
Item, xxv Aprill, John Bochar, Duryngton, for one loode greyn
ston, that war of the low seyts (seats) of the gret Cloister ......
Item, ij May, Robart Leare, Amesbury, for vj tymbur pecis....
Som. totall) gs.
Recepts xii,
Tymbur delyvered to the Tenants of Amsbury.
Item, Robert Payn, to the Reparying of the Singe (sign) of the
Georgiat pundredyMes: ois bs. be Sie ee ees eo cit cela males
Item, to the Reparyng of the Sowyth baryne (barn) ........--
Item, to the Reperyng of Robart Harison’s housse.........---
Item, John Andrews, j dour, ij pecis tymbur.. .....-..--+++-
Item, Arnolde Greke, glasiar, hade to Wolfall of newe glasse,
lxyj foots. Item, of olde glasse, xx foots.
PayMENTS.
Item, Umpfre Lovyngbone, John Rogers for Takyng downe the
Sylyng of the Quere, and to cary and lay the same in the Plomb-
MALY Clie meme ce ee eee oe base pas. eer oe rane
Item, Alan’s borde, hys ij men as from Monday after none to
Seturday After None to wasche the leed asches ...........--..+
Item, for a Iron showall that Alan be spake of John Coulls,
smyth, to make clene the leed that he caste..........-.-.-.+++5
Item, for a cord lyne to mesure the Spyur, the woods of Buckholde,
for a lyne tomesure the spyur when the King’s plumbmers cam to
Ammesburyaens nel iistic toe setae ae eicenl Lette = eee eee
Item, John Richards, to warne Thomas Benet to have hys helpe,
to mesure the woods of Buckolde .....:........0cusssceeeees
Item, John Gylle, John Adams, Thomas Yongs wyffe to make
clean the halle chambers, the Curt, the Covent chamburs and the
fylthy places ther agenst my lords fyrst comyng to Amesbury ....
Item, for mendyng a loke to set a pon the Covent garden, men-
dyng the dowr, a loke sete a pon the wycket, a key to the dowr
whar thecreste lyenhie:r..tc-neteieie neler mole A clare oe Gapel\teye steel
Item, for mendyng the parke payll.. ....... ceeseeeeceeeees
Item, a basket of quynses that Maister Thyn causyd to be send to
my Lord’s place at Seyn. (Sheen, co Surry).....+- 02-200 ee cere
Payments. <A°. R. Hen. VIII., 33 and 34.
Item, Wyllyam Bauden for takyng upe ccl pavyng tyell yn the
ender chamber on Tne spAtlats sieve <acee so rajeiein <eihle la alee ai ae
Item, Nicholas Sarvyce, for takyng upe the pavyng tyell in the
vestre, the parlar, a part of the tyell yn the inder parlar, a part of
the cloister, a part of the Chapterhousse : and to bere the same into
the Noryth Ile
ed
xiij.
s d,
xxij
XVi.
viij.
d.
ij.
xxxvi pecis
xviij pecis
XxXvj pecis
Xviij pecis
ij.
x
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson.
Item, takyng downe the Sylyng of the Wygth (white) Chambur,
Sylyng of Mastris Warder’s Chambur yn the lowur end of the
Jesse, and to cary the same into the Covent Kychyne..........
Item, Umpfre Lovingbone, John Rogers, for ij dayes worke to
make the stabulls necessary for my Lord’s Great Horsis, vi‘. ob. a
day fyndyng ‘them’ seles)\ oo... ete eek ete e cece eres
John Rogers for naylls to the same worke.. ......0.eeeceee re
Item, for caryng vj loods hay to the stabulls.
Item, Wyllyam Scamell hys costis for caryng a horse Mode: iyi
cis from Amesbury, to my Lord’s place at Seyne..............+-
Item, to take downe the gret wall that was particion of the Myd-
quere, to have outh the leed that ther was cast, And to breke downe
one part of the Great Cloister, To have the leed outh of the fratery
and to ryde the same at both ends... ....... ee ce cece ee cee
Item, Wyllyam Bawdwen, Robart Tappen, Harry Cane, John
Showell j day, iiij’., fyndyng them selles .............. 002.0085
Item, John Rogers, Wyllyam Wylchmone to make a dray, to
convey the leed and to make a barrall for the Gyne (i.e. engine,
perhaps a windlass), and to amend the same ...............0.05-
Item, —pere trace harnes to draw the leed outh of the church
and Fratery, to the beeme and from the beeme .........+..+0-005
Ttem,xxxi May and i June, Willyam Notyngham at Sarum ij days,
to newe way (to weigh anew) the sowes of leed that the marchaunds
had resevyd, and to try the weyt after Alen’s marke ............
Item, the sayd Wyllyam, one day at Sarum wyth Alen, to newe
way and try a part of the sowes leed........ .ecseee eee cece ners
Item, Wyllyam Welchmon, Harry Russall, John Sadlar, Thomas
Haulle, at Alen’s beyng at Amesbury one day,to waye serteyne sowes
in the churche, in the Fratery, a part of the sherts leed yn the hall,
a part of the small Sowes in the plombmery vi‘. a day fyndyng
SLUG podtiGe nila 0b: a OBO cL ean GREE aC epinngn cee prcisiaitryrae
Item, the same Wyllyam, Harry, John, Thomas, ij days to nombre
and way xx Tonesof the small Sowes and Sheyts, for my Lorde, vi‘.
Mmeay tyndyne themselves ..... 0.6.5... 0.ecaessceandeee veene
Item, Richard Willowes. John Watts, halfe a day to helpe ficin
_aforsayd to cary the leed outh of the halle to the plombmery..
Item, for ij Roopes to bere sowes. ij harters to bere the shettes
leed from the low halle to the plombmere..............-..eese00:
Item, for a polle (pulley) of brasse that was lost at the departyng
eioyn and Jolin Pinmbmer: 23 sie ie) v.02 cleepee ne de seg neeseis'’s
Item, for a locke and key for the chapell chambur wher the glasse
and Iren lyethe, and i key to the chambur at the hy haull end....
Item, to John Andrews, that restyd a pon hys bille for the fyrst
poaryeg of my Lord’s leed to Hampton and the second ......... ees
Som: totall Lit a ee
of this Payments j ~Y- *VJ- V-
7
4
/
R. R. Henrici VIIL., 34°.
79
5 d.
Se 4
ij Ie
ij.
ij.
iij.
xyl.
Vj.
vi.
xii,
yi.
ij.
iiij.
yi.
liij.
xe
x.
ae
Paymentis for takyng downe the Rooffes of the church, the
uere Dorter, with th’other byldyng ther, xxi day August, Anno
80 Ambresbury Monastery.
8. d.
The Roofe of the Gret Quere ........--..-eeeeeeeeee -sum total xxvii. ilijob.
The roofe over the hy Autar............ .eeceeceee -.6* diffo © Yiij- ‘V1.
The roofe of the Dortor, the loft, with all the particions undur
tlie dortor sce ah. sinae otemer ite -Bucietias sete Geena seer
The Roofe of our Ladye Chapell, the Roofe of the Leeden Hall ) xlix. v.
ther, wyth all the houssyngs to the same. Allso the ij chamburs
jonyng to the Ledden Hall a pon the garden syde.... ...+.-. +++:
Thys Count made the xxviij day September.
The Roofe of the Jesse, the portions above and undur the parlar
and the roofe of the same, The wygth Chamurs...............+ Xxxvi. Xi.
The Roofe of the Fratery, the outhoosis by the old farmery (in- -
Jirmary), Maister Horner’s housse and Chamburs .........-+++: XxXyil. Vi.
ROME, AGT DELL TIVEL Boy hips © Bie 6 o Bip a ie ainic's » » hibieta a Saat ij.
— for the dressyng of the pully and boxsyng the same...... Vv.
os SORA POO MERGES 22 oer) cn AE, cise bate wsesde En kach eee yi.
= BOT fig TNGORS Cee shen os. So 2a ne <one ede map cas Sao ij.
Item, Richard Tebolde, to move the pavyng outh of the, North
Ile to make rome for the Tymber ....-... scceen eve-cnvene nstece il.
Som : totall payments for the takyng
down of the Roofs £vij. xi. j. ob.
Debet Som. to be paid of this A count xxy*. x‘, ob.
No. 4. The Charge of the meltyng, castyng and weyng of the
leade at Amysburye the last day of Marche, 32 Hen. VIII.
Among the items were, att
To John Colls, smyth for the makyng of a skemer, a cole-rake, a
fyer forke, 1iij crowe barrs, one rake, one hoke pyn, one prychell
(*), certen gret naylls of my lord’s'iron .............202 se0cs iii. iiij.
Item, for an iron plate to leye in the bottom of the trowe where
the dele wan in the pytt. sida ss causal os one's oe ae oe arabes viii.
Item, for the mendyng of the greate beme........-.++ssseeees viij.
Item, for ij pere of hoks for the same beme.....-......-..++-% . -Viij.
Item, for the makyng and mendyn of hoks to drawe the
Soweslof leaded. 22s teas sts Se cele LCS ASE Ac CUSU Gram Hawoac iiij.
Item for ij iron Ryngs for the dragge........... ...2.ceeeeee iiij.
Item, for ij lynt pynns for the same drugge.............-.++- ij.
Item, for the mendyng of hoks, pynns, barrys and other tols wh".
were occupyed aboute the meltyng of the leade..........+..e.200e- Viij.
Ttem; for ij spadsandishovylls .s225...ch maces sacs Sundae B28.
Ttem,: for tyme panrawes vwcs).cec a dat cere ses fess espe eee ix.
Item, for ij lyne cords, one to fyer the Gunpowder in the Steple
and thother to make faste the greatt Gable........ ............. xij.
Item, for the fetchyng of the Shovylls andSpads at Sarum...... a
Item for the hyer of Rychard Bundye’s horse to ryde to Easton to
speke with Mr. Berwyke concernyng the pullyng downe of the
Stople.s-::i./3 es esee ke noes Darke SE tee OH hae ha eee liij.
ee eee ee ee
* Halliwell gives ‘‘ Prichell, a brake for dressing flax,” and ‘ Prijel, an iron tool for forcing nails
out of wood.” The latter seems the more likely instrument of the two.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 81
8. d.
Item, for iij peny halters and ij halfpeny halters.............. iiij.
Item, for a hoggshed to kepe water......++-+s+++eereeeeeereees xs
Item, for grese for the pulleys........-..+see- ceeeeeereeeeeees i
Item, for ij lods of erthe to make the pyt to melte the leade.... Viij.
Item, for iiij lods of Sande to cast the lede........ sseeeeeeseees XYj.
Item, for ij lods of erthe to make the leade pyt in the Frater..... viij.
Ttem, for iiij lods of sande to caste the leade there...-........+. XYj-
Item, to Thomas Alen’s servant mason to make the furnes wher
the lede ashys were melten ...----. seer cece reece cette tees eens x,
Item, for ij 1b. of Gunpowder bought att Sarum to fyer the grett :
tymber peces of the Steple........... sees cereee cece sett eeeeeeee jj. Vu},
Item, for ij lb of Gunpowder bought at London......-..+-..---- ij
Item, for an oxe hyde to make a pere of bellowes to melte the
leade ashys. Mr. Alen hath theym............c0ceceeeeeeeeceees vi. Vij.
Item, for a lode of Charcole to melte the same ashys-...-....... viij.
Item, for a rope borrowyd of John Androes for the weyng of the
WM aes cel bs ile (eats hota « so ctw sth iy alosagia wiatniayeveibininiore We.al rinvie Sal 9s viij.
The sum total of the hole charge £xiiij. vs. iij’. (This included
the men’s wages for several weeks.)
Wherof Receaved for lede by him sold to diverse men iiij'.
xiij’. v‘.: and so resteth more to the saide Nottingham ix". xis. ix*.
the whiche is allowed to him in the fote of his account for the
prouffitts of the demaynes and parsonage of Ambrosbury for oon
_ year and an half, ended at thannuntiation of O'. lady, A°. xxxiij’.
R. Henrici viij, and so even.
No. 5. Thys porcion of my Lord’s leede delyvered from Ambros-
bury to Hampton, by Aleyn’s marke, the lst day August A’
R. Regis Henrici 8%. xxxiij’.
Sowys of leede, 100, weighing 29°" 18°". 0%. 131
This was conveyed by carts hired from Douse and others of
Collingbourne, Wm. Nowis and others of Ursaunt (Urchfont),
John Burden and Edmund Longe of Kaninge, J. Collet of Allyng-
ton, Ryng and Rowemans of Newton and Manningford, Maton
of Enforde, Thos. Hunt of Chesenbury, Alexander and Giles
Thystylthawrt of Winterslowe, R. Ocborne of Farley, Symon Cane
and others of Wynterbourne, Thos. Byggs, Isabel Fostarde
Sse hi
hana ee
1 The ‘* Sows” of lead were not all of one and the same weight. Dr. Johnson
_ says ‘‘An oblong mass of lead or unforged iron, or mass of metal melted from
the ore, is called, I know not why, sow metal, and pieces of that metal are called
pigs.”
“VOL. X.—NO. XXVIII. F
82 Ambresbury Monastery.
and others of Stapulford, and Thos. Noors of Bedywn»
Leed delyvered to Robert Steward, sadler in London 5 tons, 5 lbs,
Ditto to John Berenger of Hampton, marchant, 9 tons, 19 cwt. 26 lbs.
The number of Sowys delyvered to Robert Eyre and Thomas Sembarbe mar-
chaunts of Sarum, 162 tons, 6 cwt. and 6 lbs.
Sold to Mathew Kington, Ludgersall, and John Monday, Buddesden, sheyt
leed 3 cwt. and 11 Ib. at 3s. 4d. the ewt.
Sold to Alexander Auckar, and Robert Peris, Church wardens of Nether-
haven, vii clothes,* weighing 1 ton, of lead, at £4 the ton.
Lead delyvered to Marchaunt of Hampton to be sent to Jersey for Gunshot
28 June, 34 H. VIII., 30 ewt. 3 qrs. 11 lbs.
Total number of Sowys of leede delyvered in all places, 637, containing
209 tons, 17 cwt. 2 qrs. 18 lbs.
Over and above John Howell plombmer layde a pon the Chaunsell of the
Parish Church,+ and a pon the Gutter of the Newe Covent Kytchen 5 clothes,
weighing 11 cwt. Sum total of Tons delyvered, 210 tons, 5 cwt. 2 qrs. 16 lbs.
Lead reserved for my Lord, and returned: 21 tons, 3 cwt. 1 qr. 10 lbs.
It does not appear that any such scene took place at Amesbury
monastery church as had kindled Sir John Harington’s indignation
elsewhere. Speaking of the spoliations at Wells cathedral, he says
“Such was their thirst after lead (I would they had drunke it
scalding) that they tooke the dead bodies of Bishops out of their
leaden coffins, and cast abroad the carkases skarce throughly putri-
fied.” [Nuge Antique, ii. 147.] The graves of the illustrious
ladies abovementioned, and of all others buried in the church,
have probably been undisturbed.
- The Seymours made a dwelling house out of the old monastery,
and the Protector’s son Edward Earl of Hertford resided here.
His third wife was Frances daughter to Lord Howard of Bindon,
widow of Henry Prannell citizen of London. Of this lady a very
curious account is preserved,! and of a tragic incident in her history
the scene lay at Amesbury.
‘She was one of the greatest, both for birth and beauty, in her
time: but at first she went a step backward, as it were, to fetch a
career, to make her mount the higher. Her extraction was high,
fit for her great mind: yet she descended so low as to marry one
Prannell, a vintner’s son, in London, having a good estate, who
* Does this mean sheets of lead?
+That is, the*present chancel, which, as already stated, had probably been used for Parochial
purposes during the time of the Monastery. See above, p. 72.
1 By Arthur Wilson: printed in Brydges’s Peers of James I., p. 297.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 83
dying left her childless, a young and beautiful widow: upon whom
Sir George Rodney a gentleman in the west, suitable to her for
person and fortune, fixing his love, had good hopes from her to
reap the fruits of it. But Edward, Earl of Hertford, being en-
tangled by her fair eyes, and she having a tang of her grandfather’s
ambition,! left Rodney, and married the Earl. Rodney, haying
drunk in too much affection, and not being able with his reason to
digest it, summoned up his scattered spirits to a most desperate
attempt: and coming to Amesbury in Wiltshire, where the Earl
and Countess were then resident, to act it, he retired to an Inn in
the town, shut himself up in a chamber, and wrote a large paper
of well-composed verses to the Countess in his own blood, (strange
kind of composedness,) wherein he bewails and laments his own
unhappiness; and when he had sent them to her, as a sad catas-
trophe to all his miseries, he ran himself upon his sword, and so
ended that life which he thought death to enjoy; leaving the
Countess to a strict remembrance of her inconstancy, and himself
a desperate and sad spectacle of frailty: but she easily past this
over, and so wrought upon the good-nature of the Earl her husband,
that he settled above five thousand pounds a year jointure upon
her for life.” 2
The Earl’s grandson William, Marquis of Hertford, resided here
in1611. (Wilts Mag. ii., 181.) The Marquis’s grandson William,
third Duke of Somerset, dying without issue, this property passed
4
;"
by Elizabeth Seymour the third Duke’s sister in marriage to
Thomas, Earl of Ailesbury. In 1720, Charles Lord Bruce sold it
to Henry Boyle, created 1714 Baron Carlton; and he, by will 1729
bequeathed it to his nephew Charles third Duke of ee
whose family made large additions by purchase.
A Yorkshire clergyman taking a little tour through Wilts in
1750, made the following note of his visit here.?
1 Thomas Howard third Duke of Norfolk, who was only preserved from the
scaftold by the death of Henry viij.
* Sir George Rodney was of Stoke Rodney, co. Somerset. For the poetical
j Epistle see the ‘* Topographer i, 398—405
° MS. Letter by Rey. Richard Woodyeare ; 1750.
a F2
84 Ambresbury Monastery.
“ Ambrosbury. A large body of a man found here, the thigh-
bone 21 inches. Saw the Duke of Queensberry’s: a Chinese House
and Bridge, and fine Canals in the gardens. In the Housea grand
new Room and furniture, Chimney pieces, red and white marble:
the fable of the Stork and the Fox carved on them: Emblems of
Her Grace’s hospitality.| The Barber the best cicerone in the
village.”
William fourth Duke of Queensberry died 1810: and in 1824
his estate was purchased by Sir Edmund Antrobus, Bart.
Ambresbury house was built by John Webb from the designs
of his master Inigo Jones.2 Colin Campbell adopted Inigo
Jones’s principles, and fixed ‘“‘The Ambresbury type’’ as the man-
sion of the 18th century. The house has been renovated by Mr.
Hopper, architect. The church was restored in Misi. at the
expense of Sir Edmund Antrobus.
In the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, vol. iv., p. 27,
are woodcuts of three curious old seals found at Ambresbury in
1843: and in the Journal of the Archeological Institute, vol. ii.
p- 194, are drawings of two memorial escutcheons with the initials
I. D., and K. D. in the church.
Ambresbury was in 1188 the birthplace of Ela Devereux, heiress
of the Earls of Sarum, and foundress of Lacock Abbey in Wilts,
and Henton Charterhouse Abbey, co. Somerset. That part of the
estate which belonged to her family was called Ambresbury Comets g
or Earl’s.
In his history of the Hundred of Ambresbury, Sir R. C. Hoare
has omitted to mention that the Hundred included some outlying
portions of co. Wilts, lying within co. Berks., viz., part of Shinfield,
(alias Dydenham) comprising an old manor of Beaumys or Beames; _
Hinton and Haines Hill, in Hurst ; Swallowfield, including Farley,
and Sheepridge: and Wokingham, some part. J. E. J.
1 Lady Catherine Hyde, daughter of Henry, Earl of Clarendon and Rochester,
the ‘Kitty, beautiful and young” of Prior’s Ballad, ‘“‘The Female Phaeton.”
For an account of her see Burke’s Romantic Records, vol. ii., p. 31. As one of
the three coheiresses of Henry Earl of Clarendon in 1753, (the other two being
the Countess of Essex and lady Mary Forbes), she succeeded to one third share
of the great Lord Clarendon’s pictures.
? Walpole’s Anecdotes of Painters, &c., iii., 168.
{
2 GROUP OF BARROWS,
ON COW-DOWN, COLLINGBOURNE DUCIS, WILTS,
= % Fighnur. sae are.
85
Alotes on MBarvotu-diggings in the Parish of
Collinghourne. Ducis.
By the Rev. W. C. Lvxis.
GROUP of thirteen barrows may be seen on the western
side of the turnpike road leading from the parish of
Collingbourne Ducis to North Tidworth. Two of them in a plan-
tation are of large size, and occupy a central position of the
group. The remaining eleven are of various dimensions, and three
or four are only a few inches in elevation, and require a practised
eye fo discover them. They form an interesting collection of
mounds, because exclusive of their contents, they present a some-
what irregular line running nearly east and west, and exhibit a
yariety of forms which may perhaps assist us in elucidating what
has always been a difficult problem,—viz. the mode of their con-
struction.
It is remarkable, and I venture to add very fortunate, that these
mounds escaped the scrutiny of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, who, with
_ the most praiseworthy aim, unwittingly did as much as any man
® could to prevent archeologists from knowing, to the full extent,
what his vast researches and extensive experience should have
taught them respecting Wiltshire Barrows, and to mislead barrow
diggers of a later day. What a mass of most deeply interesting
information relating to the construction of Barrows, and how many
ticles of antiquity of great value have been overlooked and lost
through the mode in which he prosecuted his researches. If he
had himself handled the spade, or been continually present with
his labourers, and if he had given more time to the examination _
of each barrow, we should not now have to lament the unscientific
opening of innumerable barrows, and the loss which the history of
S early human occupation of the County has sustained. An aged
“shepherd of Salisbury Plain,” now deceased, who himself be-
ee a
.
_
86 Notes on Barrow-diggings.
longed to Sir Richard’s gang of labourers, told me how the work
was carried on when he wasa lad. “Sir Richard stopped at the
great House, and instructed his men to dig down from the top
until they got nearly to the level of the natural soil, when they
were to send or wait for him. On his arrival the search was con-
tinued, and the cist, if any, examined in his presence.” This was
his usual mode of procedure, and this will account for the frequency
with which he was disappointed in not finding a cist or interment.
Had his example been followed in the examination of the group,
which I am about to describe, the largest barrow would have been
an enigma, and I should have wondered why so vast a cenotaph
had been raised. The fact is that the principal interment does not
always occupy the centre. If Sir Richard had adopted a different
mode from the first, he would have acquired that very knowledge
which would have saved him from the error of classifying Wiltshire
barrows in the way he devised; he would have been able to teach
us of the present day much that we have been acquiring with
lengthened toil and observation; and would have helped us to
compare with greater exactness and interest, the barrows of Wilts
with those of Dorset and other Counties.
We are certainly most deeply indebted to this indefatigable an-
tiquary and his able and intelligent co-adjutors for much that is
highly interesting and instructive, and I trust I may not be con-
sidered presumptuous and arrogant in thus freely expressing my
opinion of their mode of operation, and of the result of their labours.
But any one who reads “ Ancient Wiltshire” with the hope of
learning how Wiltshire barrows were erected, and why their forms
and dimensions are so diversified, will be disappointed. The in-
vestigation was apparently not pursued with this object in view.
In many cases we have a difficulty in ascertaining the material of
their construction; the site of the interment within the barrow is
frequently only implied, instead of being accurately noted; the
position of the skeleton, whether on its back, right or left side, is
often not mentioned; and we are led to the conclusion that the
chief, if not sole, object in the investigation was the possession of
the articles which had been deposited with the dead. In proof of
By the Rev. W. C. Lukis. 87
this we have only to remark the following passages from that
costly work: “the first of these is a long barrow, situated between
the angle of the cross roads, which we did not open, being so well
satisfied with the history of this species of tumuli.” (Ancient
Wilts, p. 121.) Again, “I have often been asked if the largest
barrows were not found, on opening, to be the most productive in
their contents. The question is very natural, and I have rather
wished to second that supposition; but as yet I have not a sufficient
basis for that hypothesis.” (Ibid, p. 128.)
Sir Richard was well satisfied with his own mode of investigation,
for on one occasion, coming to a barrow which had been unsuccess-
fully opened by Dr. Stukely, he remarks: “ our experience having
given us repeated proofs that the system of opening barrows was
but imperfectly understood in former days, we determined to try
our luck.” (Ibid, p. 200.) It was his own system, however,
which brought him to acknowledge: ‘I cannot help remarking
the singularity of having found so many empty cists :— a singu-
larity which has scarcely ever occurred during our researches in
other parts of the County.” (Ibid, p. 186.) This admission of
want of success was induced by the failure he experienced in the
parishes of Collingbourne Ducis and Everleigh. He describes his
own mode of exploration thus: ‘‘on adopting our usual maxim of
in medio tutissimus, we attacked its centre, but did not succeed, for
the interment of buried bones was deposited at some distance from
the middle of the barrow.” (Ibid, p. 195.) Again, “the next
barrow we attempted was one little inferior in size and beauty to
the former,—but though our section was very large from the sum.
mit to the floor, yet our researches were not crowned with the
wished for success.” (Ibid, p. 194.)
Having pointed out what I conceive to be the insufficient results
of the labours of this patriarch of barrow-diggers, I will now
proceed to give an account of the examination of this group. One
of them was opened in the year 1805 by Sir R. C. Hoare, ten in
the year 1855 by myself, and two by the Rev. James Turner,
Rector of North Tidworth and myself in 1861.
The small barrow No. 7 in the annexed plan, opened in 1805, of
88 Notes on Barrow-diggings.
which there is no published record, so far as I know, is said tra-
ditionally in the parish to have produced “a small saucer.” I
reopened it in September, 1855, and found an empty cist. It is a
small mound in the centre of a circular enclosure which is sur-
rounded by a fosse and vallum. This is not an unfrequent form
of grave mound on the Wiltshire Downs, to which I shall refer later.
8.
Plan of Barrow, No. 4.
Showing trenches, (T) and number and positions of interments.
A. Primary interment.
No. 4, was examined in 1855, and a trench was dug on the east side
towards the centre. Ata depth of seven feet, and in the centre of
the mound, in a cist dug out of the chalk, was a skeleton on its
right side, with the legs drawn up, lying N.W. and S.E., the head .
being in the direction of the former point. The individual must
have been about 5 feet 10 inches in height, as ascertained from the
length of the skeleton as it lay. The bones were in excellent
preservation, and although they were carefully uncovered, no right
arm, and no hands were found. There was no jar or relic of any
kind, but only a small fragment of coarse pottery, rudely marked,
near the head. When the body was interred, it appears te have
By the Rev. W. C. Lukis. 89
been walled about and covered over with large flints, and then the
vegetable mould was heaped up, and constituted the original grave~-
mound with a diameter of about 70 feet. At subsequent periods
other interments followed, producing an enlargement of the bar-
row; the present diameter being about 96 feet. It was not until
the year 1861 that a further examination of this mound was made
by the Rector of North Tidworth and myself. The experience we
had derived in the examination of other barrows having led to
discoveries of an interesting nature, we resolved to apply the pro-
cess to this barrow. It may be as well to state here the mode
which was adopted by us. We first dug a wide trench from the
south point to the centre, and in some cases beyond the centre, and
next we carried trenches east and west from the south side, at a
few feet from the base of the mound. The advantages gained by
this method were these. It gave us a section of the barrow, a
matter of considerable importance; it enabled us to meet with the
original interment, when, as in many cases, it was eccentric; and
_ it brought to light a series of interments in positions where they
have not been commonly observed in Wilts. In addition to this,
__ it revealed a certain degree of orientation in these secondary inter-
; ments, in relation to the primary one, which was quite constant.
_ After digging for a distance of about 13 feet from a point a little
_ to the west of south in a direction eastwards, at a few feet from the
base of the mound, meeting occasionally with fragments of pottery
and a portion of a grinding trough, we found an interment of burnt
bones at the spot marked 1. At 2, we came to a large urn inverted,
_ (plate iii. fig. 1) containing the burnt bones ofalarge man.! The urn
__ was placed on a mass of pounded chalk, and a dry walling of large
{ flints was built round it to serve as a protection. The bottom of
4 this vessel was about one foot below the surface. Not far from it,
at 5, was a considerable quantity of burnt bones. At 7, was an
urn smaller than that at 2, also containing burnt bones, on its
side, with the mouth pointing up the mound, within three inches
! The ornamentation on this urn consists of a projecting band of clay, in which
circular depressions have been made with the top of the finger; the cast of the
nail is seen in some of them. Similar markings have lately been observed on
_ some other Wiltshire urns. (Eds. ]
90 Notes on Barrow-diggings.
of the surface, and surrounded with flints, as in the other case.
At 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, were discovered separate interments,
in each case the burnt bones being contained within a circle of
flints. Two flint mullers or rubbers were found in this barrow.
The next barrow examined was one of small elevation, numbered
3 on the plan, which has been so frequently ploughed over as to be
rendered scarcely perceptible. At a depth of about seven inches
from the surface in the centre of the mound, we discovered a
skeleton, quite perfect, on its right side, knees bent, lying east and
west, with its head to the west. The deceased must have been an
aged man, for the spine and thigh bones were much curved, and
the sutures of the skull were entirely obliterated. The teeth were
also greatly worn down with use. The hands met in front of the
abdomen, and close to them was an iron knife much corroded. The -
plough had torn up the pottery and scattered it in fragments about
the barrow. It was of a thick coarse description and of a dark
colour; and the lip of one of the vessels had rude indentations by
way of ornament; and a band of similar character encircled the
waist, two projections on opposite sides of the band serving for handles.
Barrow No. 2, which had been similarly maltreated by the
plough and nearly obliterated, produced nothing at all.
Barrow No. 1, appears to have been a double one, and to have
been disturbed at an early date. Fragments of urns that could
not have been reached by the plough, were scattered in all direc-
tions in the large portion of the mound; and one or two pieces
belonged to vessels made of fine clay, well baked, and minutely
ornamented with delicate indentations. There were also traces of
fire and ashes. In the small portion of the mound were only
pieces of charcoal.
Barrow No. 12, a low one, was next attacked, and contained the
skeleton of a child, on its right side, in-a cist two feet long, |
north-west and south-east, the head being towards the former
point. Near the breast was found a bead of Kimmeridge coal,
and on the south side of the head near the face, was a small
jar or cup with one handle, inverted, and nearly entire. <A
small piece was wanting to complete the vessel, but as the
By the Rev. W. C. Lukis. 91
edges of the fracture were worn, it is
probable that it was deposited in the grave
in a broken state.
Barrow No.,10, a low one, of four feet
six inches elevation, contained a burnt body
at a depth of about one foot from the apex,
: : surrounded by large flints, and at intervals
child. at Collinsbourne Dees,» Of about eighteen inches beneath each other,
Restoredone fourth inear. three more interments. Each collection of
burnt bones was encircled with flints. The bones were reduced
by fire to very small fragments; and there was no trace of pottery,
or relic of any kind, in any part of the mound.
Barrow No. 11, a low one, slightly elongated in form, contained
burnt bones about one foot from the apex, in this case not sur-
rounded by flints. ‘The bones had been carefully laid in a heap on
mould 18 inches above the level of the ground, and appeared to be
the only interment. A fragment of a bone implement was found
but no pottery.
Barrow No. 8. Portions of a thick ornamented jar were found
scattered about at various depths, and also one fragment of another
vessel of a thinner description of ware. About three feet from the
apex was a collection of burnt bones, and seven small beads, two
of jet and five of amber, or of some other material, the surface of
which has undergone decomposition. At a depth of five feet from
the top of the mound we found the bones of the pelvis, two thigh
bones and three ribs of a man, with here and there a small fragment
of burnt human bone. About six inches beneath these bones were
traces of a short wooden plank, six inches wide, one inch thick,
and three feet long. The barrow appeared to have been disturbed
at an early period. A few days later we continued our investiga-
tions, and at a depth of 18 inches beneath the wooden plank, found
a cist dug out of the chalk, containing an undisturbed interns
of burnt bones.
Barrow No. 9, was imperfectly examined by us, and it was our
intention to explore it again on some future occasion.
In the small low barrow No. 13, we found an empty cist only.
ERR
92 Notes on Barrow-diggings.
8.
Plan of Barrow No. 6.
Showing positions of interments.
A. Earth removed in 1840. B. Trenches made in 1861.
Barrow No. 6. About the year 1840, several cart-loads of earth
were taken from the south side for the purpose of levelling the
yard annexed to a field-barn close by. In doing this the labourers
found a skeleton, burnt bones, and as many as five urns, at a dis-
tance of six or eight feet from the base of the barrow, and from
two to three feet below the surface. One of the men employed in
this work told me that the urns were entire when found, and that
only two were taken up whole. I have not been able to ascertain
with any certainty what has become of them. He also described
the posture of the skeleton, as lying on its right side with the legs
bent.
The excavation which was then made, invited me in 1856 to
commence operations on the same side of the mound, but the
labour was so great that the work was discontinued at the end of
two days, after making little progress. On 3rd May, 1861, the
i ci
|
nn \\ So) iD ba Hy :
fy, Ui
' 5 4
| 4 »? 4 fie Zi i,
| ae Height. 8 eae
}
|
ES Hifi ‘
| ars ny ws
| vee POI eS
| ‘i wil lng OIL
|
|
|
13 esti 7 en
Eat AND HORN HAMMER FROM BARROWS AT COLLINGBOUNE DUCIS, WILTS.
at
td " *
..
>
pyr —
- By the Rev. W. C. Lukis. 93
work was resumed with the aid of the Rector of North Tidworth,
the Rev. W. H. Cave Browne, Arthur Stallard, Esq., and two
labouring men. With this strong force we dug a wide trench to
the centre, carefully preserving the surface level. Flint chippings
and small fragments of coarse pottery were occasionally met with.
At a depth of three feet eight inches from the summit of the
barrow, we found two layers, six inches apart, of wood ashes and
burnt straw, in a kind of basin seven feet in diameter, as if beacon
fires had been ignited there. The upper layer was the larger one,
and the thickness of ashes was two inches. At a depth of ten
feet from the surface and at a distance of twelve feet from the
centre, was a layer of pounded chalk, eight inches thick, resting
upon what we at first supposed was the original surface mould.
But on piercing this mould, which was four inches thick, we came
to a cist or grave dug in the chalk, four feet six inches long, two
feet six inches wide, and one foot six inches deep. In it was the
skeleton of a young person, with two urns of different sizes, at its feet.
The larger urn, which is of a coarse description of ware, (plate iii. fig.
2) rudely ornamented, contained burnt human bones; and the smaller
urn,(plateiii. fig. 3) which is about five and a half inches high, ofa finer
ware, and more elaborately ornamented with dotted lines, and of that
character which has been usually designated a drinking cup, was
empty; and both were on their sides. The skeleton! was probably
that of a female child of about 6 years of age, 4 feet high, and was
ERISA ERS — 5 SP ok a Pe ET s
} We are indebted to Dr. Thurnam for the following remarks on the cranium
of this skeleton. [Kds.]
‘The skull, which wants the facial bones, is that of a child of about three
or four years of age. It has a cubic capacity of about 66 cubic inches, or 1081
cubic centimetres, The circumference measures 18,2, the greatest length 6.3,
the greatest breadth 5.1, and the height 4.9 inches. If the length of the skull
is taken as 100, the breadth will be found to be in the proportion of nearly .81
to the length. This brings it within the brachycephalous or rounded type,
such as is generally met with in the round barrows of this part of England.
The parietal tubers are very prominent. There is considerable flatness of the
lower part of the occiput, perhaps resulting from the pressure of a cradle board,
_ the use of which is known to produce this effect in certain tribes of North
=. oa
»
American Indians, Inspection however suffices to show that the brachycephalic
type in this skull is strictly innate, and that the actual form can only in a very
secondary degree be due to flattening of the occiput.”
94 Notes on Barrow-diggings. a
lying on its right side, with its head to the west, and the knees
bent. The burnt bones also belonged to a young person, as was
evident from the fragments of the skull bones, and smallness of
the joints. In the course of these excavations we found the base
of a horn of the fallow deer, a fragment of a bone implement, and
a piece of thick coarse pottery, similar in pattern to the fragment
found in barrow No. 4.
No. 6 is the largest of the group, being 110 feet in diameter, and
12 feet in height; and like some of the other larger barrows with
a fosse nearly obliterated. As in the case of Nos. 4 and 5, it was
originally composed of vegetable mould, and was subsequently
increased in dimensions by the addition of a coating of chalk. In
order to satisfy ourselves that there was no central interment, we
carried on our trench twelve feet beyond the centre; and next
proceeded to examine the sides near the base. This we did by
cutting a trench about twelve feet wide, in directions east and west
from the south trench. The result was the discovery of separate
interments 18 in number, in each case surrounded by flints, and por-
tions of about 40 different urns of all forms and qualities: none being
ornamented. Unfortunately the sides of the barrow had been
trenched for planting, and the urns were so near the surface that
they did not escape the spade. In several instances the bases and
in others the rims of the urns occupied their original positions,
the spade having cut off the upper portions and scattered them.
If we suppose that two interments only were disturbed in 1840,
the total number in this barrow must have reached 21 at the least,
and consisted of persons of all ages. In addition to these, which
with the exception of the skeleton in the cist, consisted of burnt
bones, we found at (a) an unburnt fragment of an upper jaw, a few
bones, and a small bronze coin so corroded as to be undecipher-
able.
Barrow No. 5. Although our experience would have directed
us to operate upon the south side, we were induced to commence
our first trench from the base at the east point. The first in-
terment was met with at a distance of 13 feet from the base, and
at a depth of 18 inches from the surface, and consisted of a heap
——
By the Rev. W. C. Lukis. 95
Ss.
Plan of Barrow No. 5.
Showing positions of interments. TT. Trenches.
of calcined human bones, without any pottery or implements of
any kind. The bones had been placed on the slope of the original
barrow, and chalk thrown over them whereby the mound had
become enlarged. As we penetrated the mould of the original
_ barrow we met with fragments of vessels, most of them being
apparently portions of richly ornamented drinking cups, animal
bones and teeth. At about 10 feet from the centre there was a
stratum 4 inches thick, of dark mould, overlying the original sur-
face chalk, in which were innumerable fragments of ornamented
urns, charred animal bones, and flint chippings. This stratum ex-
tended over an area of about 20 feet diameter. Allusion is made
to discoveries of a similar kind in Mr. Bateman’s “Ten years
diggings,” and an extract is there given from a communication
by the President of the Antiquarian Society of Zurich to Sir H. Ellis :
“in almost all the accounts of the opening of Pagan sepul-
_ chres and Tumuli, mention is made of the discovery of fragments
of pottery strewn in the soil, which appear to be portions of vessels
similar to such as are often found by the side of the human re-
96 Notes on Barrow-diggings.
mains interred in these tombs, and consist of earthenware, not
baked in a kiln but imperfectly hardened by a fire. These pot-
sherds are found in sepulchres where there are no urns, and are
almost always fragments of different vessels. Archzologists have
considered them to be the relics of the Lyke-wake held at the
funeral. Kleeman observes that it was customary to bring the
corpse to the place of interment clad in festive garments, and show
it to the friends; a banquet then commenced and a share was
offered to the deceased.” The vessels used on these occasions are
then supposed to have been destroyed, for some symbolical reason.
and the fragments strewn about.
On reaching the centre of the barrow we found one of the most
interesting graves hitherto discovered in Wiltshire. It was a cist
dug in the chalk three feet ten inches long north and south, fifteen
inches wide and one foot deep, and at a depth of eight feet ten inches
from the apex of the mound. The peculiarity of its construction
was this. The grave was cylindrical and had been lined with a
plaster of pounded chalk about one and a half inch in thickness.
The plaster had received the impression of the bark of a tree, and
indicated that the bones of the deceased had been placed in a
hollowed trunk which was deposited in the grave while the plaster
was still moist. A thin layer of decayed wood was distinctly
traceable through the entire length of the cist. Another interest-
ing fact was also observed. It was found that the coffin was only
partially beneath the surface level, and that it had been covered over
with a similar coating of pounded chalk, which when it dried re-
tained an arched form over the grave after the wood had decayed.
With the bones, which were calcined and were those of a young per-
son, was a horn hammer head about four inches long and one and a
half inch wide (plate iii. fig. 4). This implement or weapon, or
whatever it was, is abraded at the smaller end, and shows no traces
of having been placed on the funeral pyre with the body of its
owner. I am not aware that an implement of this kind has been
found in this country before. Sir R. Hoare discovered hammer
heads made out of small pieces of stags horns, but they are of a
totally different character. No pottery accompanied this interment.
I 4 . *
we , 7
-
«By the Rev. W. C. Lukis. 97
4
«
In digging a trench from the south point towards the centre
we found two interments of burnt bones marked 3 and 4. In these
eases the bones were not surrounded with flints; the fragments of
skull bones at 8 showed the sutures distinctly ; and skull bones at
4 were thinner. At a distance of about twelve feet further north
we met with several flint chippings, potsherds of a similar character
to those found in the eastern trench, and a granite muller or in-
strument for pounding. At 5 was another collection of burnt
ones ; at 6 was a large urn mouth downwards filled with the burnt
bones of a full grown person; at 7 was a smaller urn empty, un-
ornamented, resting on a mass of burnt bones. At 8 were the
_ burnt bones of an old individual; and at 9 the burnt bones of a
middle-aged person. No pottery accompanied them. In the west-
ern trench nothing was discovered, and in the northern there was
no trace of an interment, but we found an unburnt finger bone
and two or three fragments of pottery.
This closes the account of the exploration of this group in the
_ order in which the barrows were examined.
_ Before I describe the discoveries in detached barrows existing in
_ the same parish, I must exhibit the mode of construction in the
eases of barrows No. 4, 5, and 6; and a section of No. 5 will suffice
to explain the other two. A is the centre of the barrow, where
CTU
KGa
Section of half Barrow No. 5, at Collingbourne Ducis.
taal A. Surface level.
the wooden coffin was placed which formed the primary interment.
Over these remains, a heap of mould was piled to a height of eight
feet six inches, with a diameter of sixty feet. From the base of
this mound to the edge of the fosse, a distance of ten feet, there
5 _ Was a mass of very compact pounded chalk, B, which encircled the
mound. This appears to have been placed there for the purpose
“of forming a footing to the chalk rubble, C, in which the secondary
_ VOL. X.—NO. XXVIII.
G
»
98 Notes on Barrow-diggings. © =
interments were found. The greatest thickness of this rubble at
its junction with the compact footing was two feet six inches;
and it was observed that all the interments were in the thickest
part as at D; in most instances placed on the surface slope of the
original barrow; and in no instance whatever was the slightest
trace of bone or of pottery found in the pounded chalk. I have
sometimes thought that many of the large Wiltshire barrows
obtained their vast proportions by means of secondary interments -
and it would appear as if this had been so in these three cases.
There is no good reason to suppose that the interments on the
south side of the barrow No. 6, were the remains of twenty slaves,
sacrificed on the death of their lord and buried on his tomb.
There is more reason in the supposition that these interments took
place at various times, as the deaths of the individuals occurred,
and that they were here interred because it was a family buriai .
place. We have no certain knowledge of the customs of that early
period, and there is very little foundation, if any at all, for the
statement made by some authors that it was a custom at that time
to slay the slaves of the deceased at his tomb, as a part of the
funeral ceremony. If this had been so, we should have found
traces of it in every barrow of any size. It should be borne in
mind that the primary mounds are so large that they must have
taken a long time to erect with the simple and imperfect appliances
of those days. There is very little mould covering the chalk
downs of Wiltshire in the present day, and there must have been
less 2000 or 3000 years ago; so that the barrow builders must
have had great difficulty, and must have laboured for a considerable
time in amassing and heaping up such enormous mounds. On the
supposition therefore that the custom prevailed of immolating
dependants on the death of the chieftain, those who entertain this
opinion should tell us what was done with the victims all the while
that the mound was forming.
I have thought, and I throw out the suggestion for the con-
sideration of others, that the history of many of these large mounds
in Wiltshire is as follows. A space of ground was first of all set
apart for a family burial place, and enclosed with a fosse and
RS Te te a eee,
« * { i “head a7, r >
Pik
am
N21.
Y, Yd /
SECTION OF ENCLOSED AREA, UNOCCUPIED, .
BETWEEN TIDWORTH & AMESBURY.
NPR
WMH) /
Z
/ ; ND
SECTION, SHOWING CENTRAL PRIMARY INTERMENT
BARROW N?°13. COLLINGBOURNE DuUCIS.
:
a gT )
% LL
U/
SECTION, SHOWING PRIMARY INTERMENT OW OWE SIDE,
BETWEEN TIDWORTH & AMESBURY.
es :
N24. f/ MN NT : y
: WM, VM MAM MM WM MM fp” “ ‘
UY Z
“MTT Z
SECTION, SHOWING TWO INTERMENTS,
ON EVERLEY DOWN.
er: Ya gg TM TM gy Uf
Y i WME Mo M Uy YZ y
SECTION SHOWING THREE INTERMENTS,
on WitsrorD DowN.
Highmen nth Sarr
Li
ws
4
dj
By the Rev. W. C. Lukis. 99
9 rere
vallum. *An wnoccupied enclosure of this kind may be seen between
North Tidworth and Amesbury. On the first death occurring, a
cist was dug in the chalk, generally in the centre of the enclosed
_ area, and a mound was raised over the mortal remains, sometimes
_ of large and sometimes of small dimensions. No. 15 of the
Collingbourne group is an example of the latter, and other examples
exist on Wilsford Down where are four, and two on Lake Down,
amidst groups of barrows of all sizes. It is to be noted however
that the first interment occupied sometimes a position at some
distance from the centre. There is an instance of this on the
Amesbury Downs, where a small mound is so situated within a
fossed enclosure. On a second death occurring in the family, the
remains were placed on one side of the first grave, and a second
small mound erected. An instance of this may be seen in No. 18,
one of a group on the Everley Down, a few hundred yards from
the group I have been describing. Three other examples may be
seen in the group of barrows near Woodyates in the extreme south
of the county. On the occasion of another death, the remains
were placed either on the summit, as in barrows Nos. 8 and 10 at
Collingbourne,! or on one side of the central mound, (on Wilsford
Down three small mounds occupy the area, and a similar example
is met with near Woodyates,)* and earth heaped over the whole.
In course of time, by this process, the mound filled the greater
part of the entire area, and attained a considerable elevation.
A construction, bearing upon this theory, was observed by the
late Mr. Thomas Bateman in a barrow, called “Gib hill,” upon
Middleton Moor, in Derbyshire, where the area was found to con-
tain four small mounds, over the whole of which a large mound,
fifteen feet high, had been subsequently raised, in which was a
stone cist. In the four mounds, it is true, no deposit of human
remains was found when examined in 1848; the only objects then
met with being flint chippings, charcoal, animal bones and
-
. 1Thus numbered in the plan given in “ Ancient Wiltshire,” by Sir
R. C. Hoare.
On Winterbourne Stoke Down, I believe, an instance occurs of four little
_ mounds within the fosse,
Ge
100 Notes on Barrow-diggings.
potsherds; but it must be remembered that this tumulus was par-
tially explored in 1812, and again in 1824, on which occasions a stone
celt, a flint arrow-point, and in the upper part of the huge mound,
as belonging to a secondary interment, an iron fibula, were found.
There is therefore good reason to suppose that there had been
interments in them, although Mr. Bateman inclined to a contrary
opinion. I am disposed to look upon these tumular structures as
family burial places, and used as such for a long period, perhaps
even down to Roman times, to which the small brass coin found in
No. 6 may bear witness.
Another point, connected with barrows Nos. 4, 5, and 6, to be
observed, is the orientation of the secondary interments in relation
to the primary one. They are all on the south, south-west and
south-east sides; and in one instance only, viz., in No. 5, was an
interment found due east of the central one. In no instance did
we meet with an interment due west, and none was found on the
north side.
Before quitting this group of barrows, we must notice that the
- custom which prevailed with regard to the disposal of the dead
was by cremation, and that the exception to the practice occurred
very seldom. In two cases, viz., in barrows Nos. 4 and 6, the
primary interments appear to have been of the bodies entire, but
no argument can be based, as to the priority of the mode of burial,
upon this fact, for in the latter instance there was an accompanying
and co-eval interment after cremation ; and if the tradition relating
to the discoveries in 1840 has any foundation, and I see no reason
to doubt its truth, a skeleton, laid on its right side, was found far
from, and to the south of, the centre. It must also be noted that
the five skeletons, which were found in this group, were all laid
upon their right sides, and that of the four found by me three
had their heads to the west and one tothe N.W. Ihave wished to
draw especial attention to this mode of depositing the dead, because
it may be found to have been a tribal custom. It is a curious cir-
cumstance that in the north of England, in the counties of
Leicester, Stafford, Derby, and York, Mr. M.S. Bateman observed
that out of 149 skeletons found in barrows, 101 were on their left
ee
=
vr.
_*
By the Rev. W. C. Lukis. ' 101
side, 25 on their right, and 23 on the back, and that in almost
every instance iron implements were associated with the last, while
with only one exception, flint and stone weapons accompanied the
two others. Meeting with iron in a barrow called “‘ Sharp Low,”
near Fissington, he remarks “we do not remember having previously
met with an instance of an interment of the iron period otherwise
than at full length.’ (Ten Year’s Diggings, p. 27.)
It may be a matter of interest to record here the orientation of
some of the skeletons, according to Mr. Bateman’s notes. He has
unfortunately not stated it in all cases.
Left side. ) Right side.) Back.
Number of Number of Number of
instances. |, instances. Instances.
Head to ii 15 4 0
a N.W. 1 3 2
re Ww. rd || ~13
‘ W.S.W. 1 0 0
Se S.W. 5 0 1
” 8. zy 3 2
% S.E. | 1 0
» E. 18 0 0
Pe N.E. 3 2 0
Totals. . 58 14 18
With this table we may compare the following orientations
collected from Sir Richard Hoare’s Ancient Wilts.
Number of instances. | Left side. | Right side. Back.
1
Head to N. 50
ees N.W. ™ 93
; Ww. 7
- S.W.| . 6
te 8. 13 1
Ma S.E. 8 1
ale aad 6 we tiaaee 1
a N.E. |> 14 1 1
> Total 102
This indefatigable barrow explorer has not stated on which side
the skeletons lay—although he has mentioned that in very many
102 w Notes on Barrow-diggings.
instances the legs were doubled up, and has led his readers to sup-
pose that in all of them the knees were bent. Without giving
the orientations, he has mentioned two more skeletons as having
been laid on their left side, and two on their back. With regard
to these various burial customs he has remarked that the early
custom was to place the head to the north, and that at a later
period (the iron age) when the body was laid at full dength, the
heads were placed at random in a variety of directions. Upon
meeting with an instance of the latter kind he says: ‘here we
find an interment of a later era, of the same period as that before
described on Rodmead down, when the custom of gathering up the
legs had ceased, and when the use of iron was more generally
adopted: for in the early tumuli, none of that metal has ever been
found.” (Ancient Wilts, p. 174.) We are not to understand
from this remark that with the introduction of iron the custom of
gathering up the legs actually ceased, for we have an instance to
the contrary in one of the interments belonging to the group
(barrow No. 3) I have been describing, and we know that it con-
tinued to be in use in the early Anglo-Saxon period.
Eastward of this zroup of barrows, across the road leading from
Collingbourne to Salisbury, in the direction of Windmill hill, there
are two small barrows which were examined in November, 1861.
At about one foot from the apex of one, were found a small Roman
coin, much corroded, a piece of slate in which a hole had been
begun to be drilled, and a fragment of Samian pottery. <A few
fragments of coarse dark pottery were scattered about the mound,
indicating a previous disturbance. Near to this barrow is a second,
part of which has been removed in making a roadway. A large
number of flints lay close under the turf, and among them were
many fragments of two large urns (mouths downwards) of dark,
coarse, and thick ware, which originally contained human bones.
The urns rested on a layer, one foot thick, of large flints, and
under tnem, in the centre of the barrow, was a circular hole dug
in the chalk, two feet wide and two feet deep, containing a mass of
charcoal and incinerated human bones. The bottom and sides of
the hole were red and discoloured by fire.
By the Rev. W. C. Lukis. ° 103
Section of Barrow near Windmill Hill, Collingbourne Ducis.
Showing Cist and position of Urns.
a a Ground level.
On the slope of the hill, on the left of the road leading from
Everley to Ludgershall, soon after you have crossed the Colling-
bourne and Tidworth road, you may perceive three small low bar-
rows near to each other, and ina line running nearly east and west.
They have been greatly reduced in elevation by the plough, and
were examined by me in December, 1857. In the westernmost
one, at a depth of one foot from the apex, I found a thick layer of
wood ashes and charcoal, in which were a few burnt human bones,
covering a space of about four feet in diameter. Under this layer
was a circular hole dug in the chalk, fourteen inches in diameter
-and one foot deep, containing burnt human bones and charcoal.
In the middle barrow was a similar layer of charcoal, covering
a hole two feet in diameter and two feet deep, filled with burnt
human bones and charcoal.
In the third barrow there was no cist or hole, but at a depth of
six inches from the apex was a heap of burnt human bones and
charcoal, and among a: a perfect bone pin, pierced at the larger
end. There was no trace of pottery in these barrows, but there
were a few animal bones reduced to small fragments, and in the
last, portions of the skull and the curved bony cores of the horns
of what was probably a small Bos dongifrons.
ON THE
Examination of the Roman Station at Sayhon
By Mr. Cunnineton, F.G.S.
N May, 1859, I visited Baydon for the purpose of examining
the Roman Station near that village. Baydon, about eight
miles N.E. of Marlborough, is situated directly on the line of the
great Roman road, the Ermin Street, which, extending from Lon-
don through Newbury (Spins) and Cirencester (Corinium), con-
nected the capital with Gloucester and Wales. The original
constructors of this route conferred a lasting benefit on the country,
for it continues to be used to the present day. The drovers who
annually bring cattle from Wales to the large fairs at Barnet, pass
along this track, possessing as it does the two important advantages
—a straight road—and freedom from turnpike gates. The station of
which we have to speak is situated near Botley copse, about a mile
and a half from Baydon, and about the same distance from Ash-
down Park, the seat of Lord Craven. Why so remote a spot
should have been chosen as a place of residence, it is difficult to
say, unless indeed the very solitude of the place afforded security
in troublous times. It is situated on a gentle incline, facing the south,
and surrounded on all sides by a vast expanse of what was, a few
years since, unbroken down. Recent improvements in agriculture,
have sadly encroached upon the fine open downs here, as elsewhere
in the county, and in a few more years these main characteristics
of Wiltshire scenery will be gone for ever. But although the
antiquary and the poet will regret their loss, we must console our-
selves with the utilitarian fact that ere long rich yields of corn
will be gathered, instead of the scanty sheep-feed which at present
is the only produce. The centre of the valley itself is occupied by
one of those singular stream-like deposits of sarsen stones, for
which this district of Wiltshire is remarkable. This stone has
PLIv
<
=S>
=> S
SS =
So
=
= =
Ss
SS
INNA
or i Let sad
=
2
SS
SS
Ss
Sa
Se
SS
=
Sz
SS
S=
SS eS
a
Se
TSS
—>
= SR
SR
SS
co
=
Sie
CAN hf)
Gains
TDS
= =
= =
aes Saae
SS
2S SS
an oot
Ss
SS SS
se =a
a
= =
: Pegler “SG
a rane
i 3 A ’ af a: 5
‘ ° — Ls ———— =
F
2 i=
2 =e
2 i hy
‘ se
a =F
ri
‘ sis
een I i
| a, fl
a) Seal dias
(as ra
eae ’ <5
=. ; =
= hy AMOS! sim wa Ny
i ine Ao Aig re
—
<=
Sree A
PLAN OF A ROMAN STATION AT BOTLEY COPSE NEAR BAYDON, WILTS,
By Mr. Cunnington. 105
mainly supplied the materials for the walls of the adjacent
village. ;
Looking down upon the spot from the hill, the site of the ancient
occupation is shown by irregular and indistinct traces of foundations
surrounded by a slight bank, which encloses an area of about three
acres. From the eastern side, and at right anglés to it, run three
parallel banks of a furlong or more in length. These have been
much mutilated, and their original purpose is not apparent; they
may probably have been cattle pens. The square embankment
surrounding the ruins would appear to be the remains of a wall of
dry masonry; but the spot having supplied building materials for
the adjacent modern village of Baydon, its present condition is
much confused. Dispersed at various distances within the area,
are thirteen or fourteen irregular hollows or pits of various
diameters, and on digging into these we found the foundations of
what were probably dwellings. Round the edges are abundance of
sarsen stones and flints, and occasionally a few blocks of freestone
piled up, without mortar or cement, and frequently exhibiting
decided traces of the action of fire. In most of them were tiles,
or fragments of tiles, formed of the thin sandstone of the Coal
formation, and itis tolerably clear that these places when roofed in
- were used as dwellings. The use of tiles from this stratum was
common with the Romans at Corinium, and at North Wraxall, as
mentioned by Mr. Scrope in his description of the Roman villa at
that place. In the north-west corner (see plan) are the foundations
of a passage about eight feet long, three feet wide, and five feet deep,
with short branches right and left. In one part of this, near the
open end, were remains of a fire-place, with abundance of soot.
The sides are chiefly built of square masses of hard chalk, with
now and then a block of oolitic freestone. Lord Craven employed
a man to clear out the earth from this passage in the year 1858,
but it appears that nothing was found in it. The purpose for
which it was used is not apparent, but it is remarkable that an
underground structure of very similar form was discovered near
the house at Ashdown Park, about a mile and a half from Botley,
1 Wiltshire Magazine, vol. vii., p. 66.
106 Examination of the Roman Station at Baydon.
which Lord Craven says “was a sort of cave of this shape,
about three feet high in the arch, near which were
ETT found twenty-six Roman coins in the space of
about six feet, also an arrow-head, apparently
English, and a weapon, very like an old bill-hook,
only of a large’ size.” In the excavations that have at different
times been made in these holes, numerous articles of domestic use
have been found. Amongst others we may mention the following :
—Two ampullz of good form, though of rather coarse ware. One
Mammo
DD
Tu
Original height, 73 inches. Original height, 6 inches.
Ampulle found at Botley Copse, near Baydon.
Reduced one fifth linear.
of these, found by myself, I had the pleasure of depositing in the
Museum of the Society. One or two urn-shaped vessels, now in
Lord Craven’s possession in London; some fragments of the well-
known form of Roman drinking cup, the sides of which are orna-
mented with vertical depressions. There were also remains of a
great variety of earthen vessels, chiefly of common grey pottery,
and some mortaria of a hard light coloured ware. These mortaria
were formed with a thick rim, and the inner surface studded with
minute quartz pebbles which presented a hard rough surface for
grinding. A few fragments of “imitation”? Samian ware lay here
and there, but none of the real pottery. In the space marked
(S) on the plan, a skeleton was found. It was probably that
Li
N
ica]
|
<
|
re,
oO
<q
L
i
<
=
By Mr. Cunnington. 107
of some unfortunate individual who had met with a violent and
sudden death, for a quern or band millstone, of Millstone-grit, was
lying on the skull. There were also fragments of several other
querns. Of articles in metal, the coins found were of the period
of Constantine the Great, but these were not of any particular
interest, nor were they very abundant. Two or more fibula of
bronze of a common Roman type also occurred. Of iron there
were a considerable number of large broad-headed nails, such as
would be suitable for fastening on the tiles of the roofs, and for
this purpose they were doubtlessly used. But the most remarkable
iron instrument is that represented (of one half the size of the
original) in the engraving opposite. It is a kind of double comb,
twelve inches long and four wide, having two sets of teeth. - On
the one side are twenty-six teeth, and on the other forty-seven, of
a much smaller size. The outer bars project two inches at each
end. We are inclined .to think that this instrument was used for
carding wool or flax; it would certainly be well suited for such a
_ purpose. It is now corroded, but it has been skilfully fashioned,
and shews that the art of working in iron was at that period in an
advanced state. We believe it to be the only example of the kind
known. An experienced smith to whom this specimen was shown,
expressed much surprise at the evident skill which must have been
exercised in the manufacture of it. He was of opinion that very
few modern workers in iron could make such an instrument, and
he further assured me that the iron of which it is made must be of
the finest quality, as it would have been impossible to fashion the
_ long and delicate teeth of the comb from iron of an inferior kind.
- Through the kindness of Mr. Wilks, we have been enabled to
present this instrument to the Society’s Museum. In some of the
pits, more especially in one on the south side of the area, marked
(I) on the plan, there were evidences that they had been occu-
¥ pied by persons engaged in working in iron. Whether or not
_ the iron was smelted on the spot it is difficult to decide. Most of
_ the slag is so dense as to lead to the conclusion that it was the
refuse of a smelting furnace ; yet on the other hand the quantity
found is very small, no great heaps of scoria are anywhere observed,
108 Examination of the Roman Station at Baydon.
nor are there any fragments whatever of the crude ore. One fact,
and that a very interesting one, is clearly established, viz., that
common bituminous coal was used for working the iron, for it was
constantly found among the slag and cinders. Is not this one of
the earliest instances known in this country of the use of coal for
that purpose?! Two or three massive pieces of iron have been
dug up, but they have the appearance of being pig iron, and may
have been brought there to be manufactured. One of these
pieces has a rough uneven surface, and is about fourteen inches
long, by three inches thick. It is now in the possession of Lord
Craven.
It may be mentioned that the shells of the common snail (Helix
aspersa) were abundantly found, and as they do not usually live on
the open downs, we are inclined to think that they were brought there
for food. The inhabitants of this retired spot had however the
means of gratifying a more aldermanic taste, as was proved by finding
horns and bones of the red deer; bones of ox and sheep were also
plentiful. It is probable that the people who occupied this place
were Romanized Britons, who in the troublous times which
succeeded the departure of the Romans, lived for a short period in
the remote valley of Botley. Had they occupied the ground for
any considerable length of time, there would have been greater
accumulations of the scoria and other rubbish which mark the sites
of human habitations. They were a poor people. Of this we have
proof in the facts that they possessed no fine Samian ware. Their
pottery, though of a Roman type, is of a rude make, and of coarse
material. They had no sudatoria, no tessalated pavements, nor
were there other indications of Roman luxury. Their dwellings
were apparently little better than those of the ancient Britons.
Pit coal was used by them, and stone tile derived from the sand-
stones of the Coal measures; hence we may conclude that they
made use of the fine road which the Romans had constructed for
bringing their materials from the western counties. Though
retaining little of the refinement and luxury of their Roman
* Coal was found by the late Mr. Cunnington at the British (? Roman) village
on Knook-down. ‘* Hoare’s Ancient Wiltshire,” vol. i., p. 85.
ee. ee a
ne |
‘ AUFERO TUE rreeror med Rrity ewNoeiatieMNTTRMENTLA TOES
——— ———= —_ ~
am eons een
© peer sen. pretenses
air ipeoprseerese ste
AH ee
; On a Piece of Perforated Slate ; 109
predecessors, these people had nevertheless acquired some valuable
arts, amongst others, as we have already seen, that of working in
iron: an art which has probably contributed more than any other
to establish that high position amongst the nations of the earth,
which Great Britain now enjoys.
bh
ON A PIECE OF PERFORATED
Slate found at Aldington, Corcestershire,
AND ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE
Ancient use of Slate Cablets discobered in Parrotes in Wiltshire,
By the Rey. A. H. Wiynineton Ineram, F.G.S., Hon. Canon.
‘ Fire HE oblong piece of chlorite slate figured in plate vi., a. b. ¢.
om Ui
an inch thick, smoothed on both faces and hollowed on one side,
a perforated by four holes, countersunk on the concave surface, one
hole at each corner, on the convex side just large enough to allow
in its actual size 52 inches long, 1 inches broad, and } of
a fine ligament to pass through, was taken from a gravel pit situ-
ated at an elevation of about one hundred feet above the river Avon,
on the Parks farm, in the hamlet of Aldington in Worcestershire,
at the bottom of the gravel at the depth of five feet from the top
i of the soil. The association of one lower and two upper dome-
#. shaped quernstones with the article in the same pit, though these
lay a foot nearer the surface, warrant the inference that the locality
where they were deposited had been occupied in early times by the
r rude dwellings of some primitive race, the floors of whose habita-
_ tions were sunk into the gravel, and that from them the piece of
slate had worked down to the depth at which it was discovered.
_ The concave form and size of the slate seem to render it a convenient
appendage to the wrist, and from its adaptability to such a use it
110 . On a Piece of Perforated Slate
would appear to be not an improbable supposition, that it served
the purpose of a brace or ‘shield to protect the left arm of the
wearer against the rap of the string in shooting with the bow, a
weapon with the use of which the early inhabitants of this island
were familiar, as we are aware from the flint arrow heads found
deposited with their sepulchral remains. This opinion which I
haye formed concerning the part of the body on which the slate
tablet was worn, is strengthened by observing that on the edges of
its concave side opposite two of the holes a slight depression is
visible, apparently caused by the friction of the ligament, whetber
fibre of bark, or sinew of an animal by which it was attached to
the arm. As a collateral support of my theory regarding its use,
may be considered the position in which an oblong flat piece of the
chlorite slate 4,4 inches in length and 1,5 inches in breadth, similarly
smoothed, pierced with holes at the corners the same in number,
but countersunk on both sides, was discovered in a barrow on
Roundway Hill near Devizes, in front of the breast of a skeleton,
between the bones of the left fore arm, nearly the situation which it
would have occupied on the person of the individual when living,
had it been worn in accordance with my conjecture about the use
of the hollowed slate as a shooting brace, (vide pl. vil. fig. 2.)
A flint arrow head deposited in.the same tumulus with this body,
indicating it to have been that of a person who had been a bowman
in his life time, seems also to add force to the supposition that the
plate had been employed for the purpose which I have suggested.
The adherence however to this plate of a small bronze pin much
corroded, though not on account of its proximity necessarily con-
nected with the use of the slate, and the absence of convexity and
of any depression similar to those opposite to the holes on the
Worcestershire slate, renders it not at all surprising that its use as a
wrist shield in shooting with the bow, did not suggest itself to so
sagacious an antiquary as Mr. Cunnington its discoverenand des-
criber in the Wiltshire Archeological Magazine, vol. iii., p. 186. He
doubtless was led to or at least confirmed in his conclusion by the
opinion of Sir Richard C. Hoare, concerning the use of a somewhat
similar slate tablet asserted by him in his Ancient Wiltshire to
found at Aldington, Worcestershire. 111
«
have been probably suspended from the neck of a Briton, con-
sidered that the perforated flat plate found in the barrow on
Roundway Hill, was worn as a brooch or ornament on the breast.
The opinion alluded to as perhaps suggesting or confirming this
idea formed by Mr. Cunnington, was expressed by Sir R. C. Hoare
__ with reference to a slate perforated with three holes at each end
and flat on both sides, (vide pl. vii., fig. 8) discovered by the late Mr.
- Gunnington of Heytesbury, at Sutton Veney, Wilts, under the
right hand and close to the breast of a skeleton. This situation,
unless the left hand was also near to the breast, or unless we suppose
that in his lifetime the man whose body, to which it was contiguous,
used his right hand in grasping the bow, appears to favour the suppo-
sition entertained by the eminent antiquary Sir R. C. Hoare with
regard to the part of the body on which it was worn and to be
adverse to the theory which I am inclined to adopt, that the pur-
pose for which all the slate tablets were shaped and perforated,
and some of them hollowed at the cost of infinite labour was that
they might be fitted and fastened to the wrist. The great labour
however bestowed in hollowing the latter kind of tablets, is of
itself a main argument in support of my view, for surely had they
been intended to be worn as brooches or suspended from the neck,
the trouble would not have been taken to render them concave,
when it would have answered the purpose better to have allowed
them to continue flat. But to add the weight of another example
to the one on which my argument chiefly depends, I must now
allege the discovery at the commencement of this very year 1865,
with a body and urn ina cist on the farm of Fyrish Evantown,
__ Inverness, of a piece of slate, the exact counterpart in all but the
a size, of the one in my possession; hollowed on one side, smoothed
on both surfaces, perforated with four holes, countersunk only on
the concave side, and admirably adapted for the use for which I
have suggested such tablets were employed. This plate is deposited
in the Edinburgh Museum of Antiquities, and has been submitted
_ through the courtesy of the curator, Mr. Macculloch to my in-
-spection. Although it falls short by little less than an inch of the
'[——-. "+
112 On a Piece of Perforated Slate
yet it would snit very cereal ay a a brace or shield on the
wrist of a youth or female. Another plate deposited in the same
Museum, hollowed, and pierced with the same number of holes as
the Invernessshire and Worcestershire slates, 2} inches long, and
2 inches broad, taken from a grave under a tumulus at Broadford
Bay in the island of Skye, appears also to be well adapted to be
used with the same design on the wrist of a grown up person.!
(vide pl. vii., fig. 1, a. b. c.) It will be apparent then to the
readers of this article, that the opinion formed by the writer con-
cerning the probable use of such tablets both hollowed and flat
ones is principally founded, first, on the adaptation of both kinds
for the purpose suggested, and the utter improbability that the
hollowed plates were worn on any other part of the body but the
wrist ; secondly, on the position of the flat perforated slate in
relation to the interred body discovered at Roundway Hill. The
force of the first argument derived from the evidence of design in
the instrument to serve the purpose supposed, will at once be recog-
nized, and the second process of reasoning founded on the position
of the flat tablet in the barrow at Roundway Hill, will doubtless
also be allowed weight when its probable use is thus reconsidered by
the light of the discovery of the scooped slates in Worcestershire
and Scotland. If the flat tablets had been pierced with holes only
at one end, it might be then a fair supposition that they served a
purpose distinct from that of the hollowed ones perforated at both
ends, and had been employed as appendages to the neck or breast,
But when we observe them drilled through at either end, and in
one instance with the same number of holes as the hollowed plates,
it seems presumptive evidence that the uses of both kinds of tablets
were the same, those with a concave surface being only more ex-
pensively and elaborately wrought in order to fit easier the slight
rotundity of the inner side of the wrist. The interesting result
of the process of reasoning conducted in this paper, shows the
utility of comparing specimens of antiquities from various and
1 This specimen being slightly smaller at the lower end than at the upper end,
seems still better suited for the purpose of a brace. The width of the lower
end is exactly the same as that of the plate from Aldington, viz. 1 inches.
found at Aldington, Worcestershire. 113
Ss
distant localities, and bringing that comparison to bear on the
illustration of their peculiar or common uses, and it may also serve
to encourage archeologists to hope that by continued close and
faithful observation of ancient interments, and articles of use and
ornament associated with them, a more accurate knowledge may
be eventually obtained even of the customs, extent of diffusion, and
epochs of existence of the different races, which have in pre-historic
ages been successively inhabitants of our island.
»
DESCRIPTION or PLATES VI. anv VII.
Plate vi. Green-slate wrist-guard (actual size), found associated with two
_ quern stones at Aldington, Worcestershire. a. Concave surface, b. convex
: a c. tranverse section. (p. 109.)
Plate vii., fig. 1. Slate plate found in a tumulus in the island of Skye. It
. ‘is i in the rassteca of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, at Edinburgh,
_ No. 267, 3, in their catalogue. a. Convex surface, b. concave surface, ¢c
_ transverse section. (p. 112.)
Fig. 2. Plate of chlorite slate, found in a barrow on Roundway Hill, by
Mr. Cunnington of Devizes, vide Wiltshire Archeological Magazine, vol. ili.,
‘p- 186. Actual size 4,4 in. x 1,3,
Fig. 3. Plate of blue slate, found by the late Mr. Cunnington of Heytesbury,
at Sutton Veney, vide Hoare’s Ancient Wiltshire, vol. i., p. 103, where it is
described as a breast-plate. It is engraved in plate xii. of that work,
114 |
Honations to the Alusenm and Hibvary.
The Council of the Society have the pleasure of acknowledging the following
Donations to the Museum and Library.
By the Rev. H. Hargis, Winterbourne Monkton:—An Anglo-Saxon plated
bronze fibula, and four silver and six bronze Roman coins.
By the Rev. W. H. Jonzs, Bradford :—A silver Staverton token.
By Joun Tuurnam, Esq., M.D. :—WNotices of ancient graves in Yorkshire, by
Rev. M. Greenwell; and report of Professor Nilsson’s paper on Stonehenge.
By the Rev. J. Witxrnson, Broughton Gifford :—Fine specimens of remains
of Elephas primigenius, from the Drift near Melksham.
By T. B. Frower, Esq., F.L.S.:—‘* Walford’s Tourist,” 2 vols.
By the Rey. P. A. L. Woop:—Faculty for repairing St. John’s Church,
Devizes.
The Secretaries have been informed that a very valuable bequest of books,
cabinets, and specimens have been made to the Society by the late Mrs.
Merewether. They have not yet received information as to the particulars of
this bequest, but hope to have the pleasure of acknowledging it in the next
number of the Magazine.
BOTANY OF WILTS.
A note has been received from the Rev. T. F. Ravenshaw, Rector of Pewsey,
correcting an error into which he had fallen with reference to finding the plant
“ Bunium Bulbocastanum,” on the Downs near Pewsey. On muking further
enquiry, at the suggestion of Mr. T. Bruges Flower, Mr. Rayenshaw now finds
that he was under an erroneous impression with reference to the above plant,
and desires to prevent further propagation of the error, by publishing this
statement. It is not as yet known as a Wiltshire plant. [Eds. ]
H. BULL, Printer and Publisher, Devizes.
WILTSHIRE
Arehoolugieal ond Hntural Wistary
MAGAZINE,
No. XXIX. JANUARY, 1867. Vou, X.
Contents,
PAGE
ON CERTAIN PECULIARITIES IN THE LIFE-HISTORY OF THE CUCKOO:
pet CUROVs ActO. SMI 0.2. ous sean chiseuscdne ccieveses snes 115-130
EXAMINATION oF A Lona CHAMBERED BaRRow, AT WEST KENNET,
EMMI ONES DAML Matte) don ae ited tea cawcesee Mis nee 130-135
THE Forest TREES OF WILTSHIRE: By W. B., KR. D............. 135-164
GLEANINGS FROM THE WILTSHIRE DomeEspay: By the Rey.
Siem EAE SUOMER WMCAR BM GCAC a rc'v.cis claicis sisi o'alsiene: Sie esisieia'e we aisle cians 165-173
Tue Duke or WELLINGTON AND Lorp Netson: By the Rey. Bryan
SRAM Hote Soha Rhcis-: Geie Sicsss;oi oie scie ss a1s «are cisialele wo Oks cieveueia/siehee 174-176
FRAGMENTS OF THE PaRocHIAL History or AvEBury: By Ditto.. 176-177
Cuatk Hears as Gurpes To Rovres ovER SALISBURY PLAIN .... 178
Roman CoIns FOUND AT HASTERTON............ 0002 see eeecencs 178-180
Tue Fiona or WILTSHIRE (No, X.): By T. B. Flower, Esq., M.R.C.S.
MG MOS: HEPES 0 a cieie s cl oSalewcait sa diclele's oalte's oces pests as 180-209
Excavations at AveBuRY: By the Rey. A. C. Smith ............ 209-216
I ee eee cies aii = Sorimisls. os'< aacalsiaccs sipie smain an meets 216-218
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Fig. 1. Plan ofthe Chambered Long Barrow at West Kennet, 130
», 2. The Long Barrow at West Kennet .............. »
Sp hecaer REIS IMUM MITES © cits sess cece vem eccecscres 131
», 4. View in the Chamber looking through the entrance 133
», 0. Plan of Chamber and Gallery ...........0.2200. me
, 6. Gallery looking towards the Chamber............ 132
», Tand 8, Flint Tmplomenta from the Chambered Bar-
WOW. WERGIMONMEL sch: vac cocucees cess Seeces oe 133
» 9, 10, 11, 12. Fragments of Pottery from the Long
Barrow, West Kennet ............0scceces ces 134
Norman Arches between the Nave and Aisle of Avebury
Church, Wilts, as they existed previously to 1811...... 176
"Wooden Font, Norway i. .....00icevciccones decdinow Rkne
DEVIZES: .
Henzy Boz, Saint Joun STREET.
LONDON:
- Bett & Datpy, 186, Fixer Street; J. R. Suiru, 36, Sono Squans,
WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE.
‘“( MULTORUM MANIBUS GRANDE LEVATUR onus.” — Ovid.
Peculiavities in the Pite-history of the Cuckoo,
More especinlly with reference to the Colouring of its Eggs.
By the Rev. A. C. Smiru.
Read before the Society during the Annual Meeting at Salisbury, Sept. 14th, 1865.
* And listen to the vagrant Cuckoo’s tale.”
HAVE long had the intention to write some account of the
Cuckoo, as I intimated in one of my former papers on the
Ornithology of Wilts,’ because there is so much misconception
abroad about the habits of that bird,? and because it is one of such
extraordinary interest. It is even now a common popular belief,
handed down from the time of Aristotle that the Cuckoo changes in
the course of the summer into a Hawk: while Pliny,? who wrote on
Natural History, gravely asserted (and that assertion is still upheld
by many in these days,) that the young Cuckoo devours its foster
brethren, and finally its most attentive foster parents: hence the
Swedish proverb, “en otacksam gék,” ‘4 implying “an ungrateful
fellow.” Even Linnzus gave credence to this absurd slander ; and
een ee eg 1 ee ee
1 Wiltshire Magazine vol. ix., page 57.
2 Among other errors abroad with regard to this ill-used bird, the English
translators of the Bible included it in the list of unclean birds, which the
children of Israel were forbidden to eat. [Levit. xi. 16. Deut. xiv. 15.] But
Bochart, Gesenius and others have long since proved that not the Cuckoo, but
the Sea-gull was the species intended. [Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible. ]
3 Pliny Hist. Nat. lib. 10 cap. 9.
4 @¢k,” is no other than the old Saxon “‘geac,” and the Cuckoo is still often
called ‘‘gowk,” in some parts of England. [Bosworth’s Anglo-Saxon Dictionary. ]
"VOL. X.—NO. XXIX. H
116 On certain Peculiarities in the
in our own country Shakspeare utters the same calumny. In the
play of Henry IV. he makes that monarch exclaim:
“¢ And being fed by us, you used us so
As that ungentle gull, the Cuckoo’s bird
Useth the sparrow: did oppress our nest:
Grew by our feeding to so great a bulk
That even our love durst not come near your sight
For fear of swallowing: but with nimble wing,
We were constrained for safety’s sake to fly.”
And again in King Lear, the fool is made to say
‘The hedge sparrow fed the Cuckoo so long
That it had its head bit off by its young.”
Then again we are told that the fate of an individual for the cur-
rent year, depends on the direction in which he first hears the ery
of the Cuckoo in the spring: if it proceeds from the north, for
instance, it is a lucky omen; but if from the south, it portends
death.1 And again it is universally considered unlucky to be
without money in your pocket, on first hearing the welcome notes
of this bird.”
These are but samples of the many superstitions current in our
day, and in our own county with regard to the Cuckoo:* and it is
with the hope of substituting in their stead, the very interesting
and peculiar economy of its real life-history, that I venture to
introduce so simple a subject before so learned a society.
And then again it so happens that I have for the last year or
two given more attention than usual to the Cuckoo, by reason of a
[! Lloyds Scandinavian Adventures vol ii. p. 347.]
2 Naturalist for 1852, p. 841.
3 As the story of hedging in the Cuckoo, and so securing the permanence of
spring, has been attempted to be affiliated on the moonrakers of Wilts, I must
in common honesty quote from the yeracious Chronicle entitled, ‘‘ The merry
tales of the wise men of Gotham,” in which the following anecdote occurs: ‘‘ On
a time the men of Gotham would have pinned in the Cuckoo, whereby she should
sing all the year; and in the midst of the town they had a hedge made, round
in compass, and they had got a Cuckow, and put her into it, and said, ‘‘ Sing
here, and you shall lack neither meat nor drink all the year,” The Cuckow
when she perceived herself encompassed within the hedge, flew away. A
vengeance on her? said the wise men, “we made not our hedge high enough.”
[Sharpe’s Magazine yol. x. p. 6.]
——s
Life-history of the Cuckoo. 117
very interesting paper on the subject written in German, which
has been put into my hands for translation. The article to which
I allude “On the strange variation in the eggs of the Cuckoo,” !
was written so long as twelve years ago, by the celebrated orni-
thologist, Dr. Baldamus of Stuttgart. The opinion which he then
expressed, and the theory which he built upon the facts he had
accumulated with reference to this subject, were published in the
principal ornithological periodical of Germany, the Naumannia for
18538, of which the same Dr. Baldamus is the talented editor.
This opinion however has never been presented to the British
public in an English dress, and consequently has never met with
the attention in England which it deserves: moreover the rarity
of meeting with the book which contains it, as well as the lengthy
article, and scientific German, in which the author has developed
his facts and his opinion, have helped to deter the general enquirer
from entering upon a question, which to the ordinary observer will
be found to be of considerable interest, and to the out-door natural-
ist is worthy of most patient attention, as well as diligent investi-
gation; and yet which notwithstanding its deep interest, and
eurious and extraordinary as it is, has probably never yet come
before the notice (I may almost venture to say) of any one in this
Society.
Having thus introduced Dr. Baldamus and his paper, so that I
need not hereafter break the thread of my story, I will begin by
saying a few words upon other peculiarities of the Cuckoo, before
I come to the chief subject of this article, the extraordinary colour-
ing of its eggs
I have ieaaty i in my last paper on the OnimMdligy of Wilts, given
some general account of the bird, so that I need now only briefly
recapitulate some of its chief characteristics. Thus I will remind my
readers that it belongs to the large Order of Perching Birds, and to
_ the Tribe of Climbers: that it is migratory, arriving in this country
_ in April, and leaving in July: that its general appearance at a short
distance, often leads the casual observer to mistake it for a hawk,
_ ‘Neue Beitrige zur Fortpflanzungsgeschichte des Europaischen Kukkuks
-(Cuculus canorus) yon E, Baldamus”. Naumannia, 1853, pp. 307—326.
H2
118 On certain Peculiarities in the
though a single glance at the small weak legs and feet, and the
straight powerless slender beak, would at once undeceive on a
nearer examination: that, with the exception of the Honey-buz-
zard (Buteo apivorus) it is the largest of British insectivorous
birds ;' for its food consists of insects of many sorts, but more par-
ticularly of the several species of hairy caterpillars which abound
in the early summer, and which long-haired caterpillars are rejected
by almost all birds, with the exception of the Cuckoo: so that it
has been thought by some, that the reason why that bird leaves
this country so early, is the failure by the middle of July of its
favourite food.? I may observe, too, that it is the male bird
alone which gives utterance to the peculiar note which we hail so
gladly as an announcement of spring, though among other popular
errors, the following old couplet attributes the song to the female,
‘¢ The Cuckoo is a pretty bird, and sings as she flies,
She brings us good tidings, and tells us no lies.”
possibly however, this may be only the indiscriminate use of the
masculine and feminine pronoun so common in Wiltshire: I am
bound too, in honesty to add, that the well-known cry of the
Cuckoo has been declared by some naturalists, (though I think
erroneously) to be common to both sexes.* Lastly, I will repeat
that the female has that strange peculiarity of depositing her
eggs singly in the nests of other species, which she selects as suit-
able foster parents to her own young: a peculiarity not shared in
by any others of our British birds, though by no means unknown
among the feathered tribes of other countries, the Cowbird for
example of America,°® which belongs to the Starling tribe, several
species of the African Cuckoos and others. It is from this last
eccentricity of conduct, that so many strange and unlooked for
habits of the Cuckoo take their rise: let us examine them one by
one; but first let me earnestly protest against the unmeaning out-
1 Jesse’s Gleanings of Natural History, p. 125,
2 Wood’s Illustrated Natural History, vol. ii., p. 574.
3 Naturalist for 1852, p. 84.
4 Magazine Nat. Hist. vol. viii., p. 329—382. Naturalist for 1851, pp. 11, 172.
5 Wilson’s American Ornithology, vol. ii., p. 162.
Life- History of the Cuckoo. 119
ery, and charge of unnatural unfeeling conduct often preferred
against the Cuckoo,! as if she did not follow out the instincts of
her nature as truly as every other bird; and as if there was not
some good and sufficient reason, (though we may be unable to
fathom it) why some species delegate the care of their young to
other birds: rather, I think, should we admire the wonderful
instinct which leads them to select, as foster parents, those species
only whose feeding is similar to their own, and so would provide
their young with suitable nourishment; and that dexterity which
enables them to insert their eggs amongst others, just at the right
moment when the foster parent is preparing to sit.”
Now, first I beg to state without hesitation that never, by any
possibility does our British Cuckoo, either build a nest of her own,
or incubate her eggs on the ground. We hear constant tales of
such occurrences: every year our periodicals and newspapers con-
fain statements of such marvellous incidents, which would be
_ marvellous indeed if true: but I venture to assert most positively,
without fear of contradiction, that all such stories have originated
from some error: and either the common Night-jar,? of nearly the
same size, fluttering away from her marbled eggs at the root of
an old oak, or some other bird has been mistaken for the Cuckoo,
which never, in any single instance, has been known to sit on her
own eggs.
The Cuckoo then, houseless and oer though she is, and the
veritable “ gipsy of the feathered tribes,” as she has been styled, soon
after her arrival here in the spring, begins to busy herself no less
than other birds, in making preparations for her future progeny :
but instead of preparing a nest as other birds do, her occupation is
to scour the hedgerows and plantations, and watch the busy nest-
makers with more eager eye than any schoolboy ;* observing day
by day the progress made, and anxiously selecting those which
1 Bishop Stanley’s Familiar History of Birds, vol. ii., p. 80.
2 Gilbert White’s Natural History of Selborne, letter iv.
2Montagu’s Supplement to Ornithological Dictionary, vol. ii. Rennie’s
Architecture of Birds, p. 380. G. White’s Selborne, letter vii.
*Rennie’s Architecture of Birds, p. 374.
120 On certain Peculiarities in the
may be most convenient for her purpose. Into these nests it is
not her habit to intrude herself, for the purpose of laying her egg,
as all other birds do; indeed from her superior size in proportion
to the nest, such a course would be generally impossible: but she
lays her egg on the ground, and then she takes it in her beak,!
and gently deposits it in the nest she has chosen. And that the
Cuckoo does thus avail herself of her beak to place her eggs in
nests which otherwise would have been inaccessible to her, is not
only a@ priori established from those cases where no other means
were possible, as in certain domed nests with entrance holes at
the side only, or those which are laid in the holes of trees, as for
instance those of the Wren, the Redstart and others: but we have
a very interesting account, from a charcoal burner, in the forest of
Thiiringer, who happened to be in his rude woodman’s hut in the
forest, when a Cuckoo, (which he had long observed flying about
in the neighbourhood) flew into the hut, not perceiving the owner,
perched upon a bench near the entrance, laid an egg, then seized
it in her beak, and placed it in a wren’s nest, which was built
against the inner side of the hut, while the man looked on in
amazement, and soon after related the “‘ wonder” to the German
naturalist, who recorded the event. But I believe this to be her
invariable method, whether the small nest of the foster parent be
accessible to her or no: and then again this habit of taking the egg
in her beak, and so depositing it in the chosen nest, considered in
conjunction with the similarity of her egg to that of several
species of small birds as detailed farther on, will readily account
for the frequent assertion on the part of eye-witnesses of the
Cuckoo eating the eggs of small birds, which they triumphantly
declare they have themselves seen between the mandibles of that
bird’s beak.?
It is not until after an interval of several days that the Cuckoo
lays another egg in the same manner, and then deposits it in
1 Zoologist, 3145, 7757, 7935, 8165. Hewitson’s Eggs of British Birds, vol. i.,
p- 205. Temminck’s Manual d’ Ornithologie, vol. i., p. 384. Rennie’s Archi-
tecture of Birds, p. 378.
* Naturalist for 1851, p. 162, for 1852, pp, 33—233.
Life-History of the Cuckoo. 121
another nest which she has previously selected: and so on till her
whole complement of four or five or six eggs is laid:' but never on
any occasion does she lay two eggs in the same nest: so that
although it is true that two Cuckoo’s eggs have been sometimes
found in the same nest, these were without doubt from different
parent birds, and by no means the eggs of the same individual.?
_ But now if the egg of the Cuckoo was at all proportioned to the
size of the bird, it would not only at once attract the attention and
alarm of the foster parent, but it would be impossible for so dimi-
nutive a nurse to brood over and hatch it: and therefore Nature,
who never does anything by halves, but provides for every emer-
gency, has given a strange disproportion in the egg of the bird, to
the size of the parent Cuckoo: (the egg of the Cuckoo being no
larger than that of the Lark,’ though the relative size of the two
birds is as four to one) a disproportion however, the necessity for
which is most apparent, if the little foster parent is to be duped
into believing the egg of the intruder to be her own.
The Cuckoo then, having laid her eggs of comparatively dimi-
nutive size, and entrusted each to the charge of carefully selected
foster parents, is by many supposed to leave them to their fate, and
to take no farther interest in the matter. But this does not seem
_ to be the case.> On the contrary, (and for this I have the high
authority of Dr. Gray, of the British Museum) the Cuckoo has
been observed to frequent the neighbourhood, and watch near the
nest during the whole period of incubation; and then when the
eggs are hatched, it is the parent Cuckoo,® and not the young one
1Colonel Montagu dissected a Cuckoo which had in her four or five eggs,
_ [Ornith. Dict.] Mr. Rennie thinks it lays a second time. Blumenbach says she
_ lays six eggs in the spring from time to time. Jesse’s gleanings in Nat, Hist.
p- 125. Naturalist for 1851, p. 162.
2 Zoologist 8823, 9325. Yarrell’s British Birds, vol., ii. p. 192, Montagu’s
Ornith, Dict. Introduction, p. ix.
$Yarrell in loco, vol. ii., p. 191. Bewick, vol., i. p. 108.
, 4 Zoologist, 1638.
_ 5Ibis vol, iv. p. 384. Wood’s Illustrated Natural History, vol. ii., p. 572.
8 Zoologist, 2589, 2603, 4895, 6676, 8166, $195, 8235, 8681. Jesse’s Glean-
ings in Natural History, p. 123,
122 On certain Peculiarities in the
(as Dr. Jenner supposed,! and so led many into error) which
generally removes from the nest the young Cuckoo’s foster brethren,
and any unhatched eggs there may be, a fact which my friend, the
late lamented naturalist, Mr. Waterton, proved? to be quite im-
possible for any newly hatched bird, however precocious that bird
might be. |
Whether or no this is the last office which the parent Cuckoo
undertakes for its young, I will not venture to affirm: though it
is the opinion of some experienced naturalists that she really feels
an anxiety for her young, not less than that shown by other birds :*
while others maintain that she has occasionally, though very ex-
ceptionally, been known to feed her own young, of which several
most convincing proofs have been adduced :* and others again
declare that she sometimes even takes the young under her pro-
tection, when they are sufficiently fledged to leave the nest.? But
be that as it’ may, towards the end of July the old birds are pre-
paring to migrate, and the male has already changed his note to
that stammering repetition of the first syllable which (as all observers
know,) heralds the cessation of his so called song: and which an
old writer, John Hayward, who flourished about A.D. 1580, has
described in the following quaint but very graphic rhymes,
‘‘In April the Cuckoo can sing her song by rote.
In June oft’times she cannot sing a note.
At first, koo; koo; koo; sings till can she do
At last, kooke, kooke, kooke; six kookes to one koo.”
By the beginning of August then, the parent Cuckoos are gone
southwards, but the young Cuckoo is notoriously a tedious nurse-
ling, and indeed having to grow from the inmate of a very small
eggshell, to a bird of considerable dimensions, requires time for
such development, and taxes to a very large extent, the powers as
well as the assiduity of its foster parents: by degrees this over-
grown infant not only fills the little nest which was never meant
1 Philosophical Transactions, vol. 1xxviii.
2 Essays in Natural History, first series. p. 228.
3 Wood’s Illustrated Nat. Hist. vol. ii. p. 572. Naturalist for 1851, p. 67, 162.
‘Naturalist for 1851. p. 11.
5 Yarrell, vol. ii., p. 572. Naturalist for 1851, p. 233.
Life-History of the Cuckoo. 123
for such a monster, but is forced to vacate it, and sits perched on
the edge, while the foster parents, unable to reach up to it from
below, alight on its back in order to feed it.! It is at this period
of its existence that the young Cuckoo is said to possess, or to
acquire for a time, the note of its foster parents,’ whatever it may
happen to be: but this point in its history requires corroboration,
as, though asserted by many, it has never yet been satisfactorily
settled. And then again when they have at length attained their
full size, the young Cuckoos, though left to their own devices, and
without their elders for their guides, as all other migratory birds
have, follow towards the end of September, in the track of their
parents which have gone long before, and migrate to a warmer
clime: though what instinct teaches them when to go, and whither
to bend their course, who shall say? Indeed to my mind this is
one of the most astonishing points in their life-history which we
have now touched upon. .
And now I come to the most remarkable peculiarity of all: and
indeed amongst these so many anomalies which we have seen to
belong to this extraordinary bird, (and the more one studies its
habits, the more numerous, and the more apparent do they become)
there is nothing so strange or indeed so startling as the opinion
put forth, as I said just now, in Germany by Dr. Baldamus, and
afterwards followed up and demonstrated by proofs of apparently
the most satisfactory character, on the part of himself and his
friends; that the Cuckoo, while she lays her eggs singly in the
nests of other birds, is able to assimilate them in colour to the eggs of
those birds whose nests she selects :? and thus it is by no means an
uncommon occurrence to see the egg of the Cuckoo taken from a
Hedge-sparrow’s nest, partaking of a greenish blue tinge; another
from the nest of a Robin of a reddish hue; another from a Pipit’s
nest of a brownish colour; and so on through the twenty or thirty
species, in whose nests the egg of the Cuckoo has been found.
1G@ardener’s Chronicle, 1851, p. 469. Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. ix., p, 638.
Naturalist 1851, p. 132, 1852, p. 33.
? Thompson’s Nat. Hist. of Ireland, vol. i., p. 361.
5 Zoologist, 3988.
124 On certain Peculiarities in the
Feeling keenly, as I do, the startling nature of this bold statement,
and the scepticism it is likely to call forth, I will not linger over
it with any comments of my own, but proceed at once to give a
short resumé of the article in question.
Dr. Baldamus begins his paper by calling attention to the great
variety in colouring as well as in marking in a collection of Cuckoo’s
eggs, and the astonishing resemblance these eggs severally bear to
the eggs of a variety of small birds usually chosen as the foster
parents of Cuckoos: a fact which he says was well known to the
great ornithologists and oologists of Germany, including Naumann,
Thiénemann, Brehm, Gloger, von Homeyer and others, and I may
add that this point was equally well known to our British orni-
thologists as well.1_ But Dr. Baldamus seems to have been the first
to suspect that at the root of this striking phenomenon there was
a fixed law, perhaps a law which might be discoverable: and his
suspicions in this direction having been aroused, he proceeded to
pay diligent attention to the subject. To this end he not only
made most careful personal observations, but by means of oological
correspondents in various parts of Germany, collected a large series
of facts bearing upon the matter, which were convincing to his
own mind: convictions which seem to have been shared in by
many of the leading ornithologists of Germany. I will not
weary the patience of members of this Society by taking them
through the several instances which Dr. Baldamus details; but
pass on at once to the results he arrived at, merely remarking by
the way, that he followed up his investigations with such earnest
zeal, that when he wrote his paper, he had before him no less than
one hundred Cuckoo’s eggs, special care being taken to ascertain
accurately from the nest of what particular species every one of
these eggs was taken.
Now the first thing which Dr. Baldamus established to his own
satisfaction, by means of these repeated observations, was, that the
Cuckoo lays its eggs in the nests of no less than thirty-seven species,
including not only every species of Chat, Warbler, Wagtail, Pipit,
and Lark, but even exceptionally certain of the grain-eating
1 Wood’s Illustrated Natural History, vol. ii., p. 572,
Se
Scat
Life-history of the Cuckoo. 125
Finches and Buntings: these exceptions being doubtless in cases
only where the Cuckoo was deprived, by some accident, of the nest
she had selected for her egg, and which when ready to be laid, she
was obliged to consign to the care of the best nurse she could find
at short notice. To this seeming inconsistency on the part of the
parent bird, I may however add, that grain-eating species have
been known to bring up young Cuckoos; and the explanation is,
that even the hard-billed birds are accustomed to feed their young,
at any rate at first, with insects.
From the thirty-seven species alluded to above, which have been
ascertained to act as foster parents of the young Cuckoo, Dr.
Baldamus enumerates no less than twenty-eight, to whose several
eggs he affirms the Cuckoo will assimilate her egg in colouring ;
-and this he then proceeds to prove from the specimens lying before
him, and which (as I before remarked) are all carefully authenti-
cated, in regard to the nests from which they were taken: all these
specimens he examines singly, and describes their colouring, as
nearly all partaking, in a greater or less degree, of the character,
ground colour, and markings of the eggs of the species in whose
nests they were severally laid: while some are so extremely similar
that but for the grain! or texture of the shell and certain charac-
teristic specks, it would be difficult to distinguish them apart. The
exceptions to this general rule, are those laid in the nests of corn-
eating species, and our author adds, that it would be extraordinary
indeed, if the Cuckoo’s eggs should resemble the eggs of these
exceptional and never intended foster parents.
“The fact then” (says Dr. Baldamus) “is quite established and
beyond all doubt, that there are Cuckoo’s eggs, which both in
colour and in marking, are very like the eggs of those species in
whose nests they are generally laid:” and then he proceeds to
argue that Nature, who never trifles, nor acts without purpose, has
plainly given the parent Cuckoo this faculty, in order to facilitate
16¢ Das Korn:” the German word exactly answering to our English idiom
‘Corain.” The grain or texture of the shell is too often overlooked by Oologist’s,
but amongst the very similar eggs of some species, as more particularly among
the Duck tribe, this is one very important means of identification, more es-
_ pecially when the egg is placed under a low magnifying power.
126 On certain Peculiarities in the
the continuance of the species under peculiar conditions: for (he
well remarks) had this not been so, we are driven to the alternative,
_ that the Warblers and others, which generally recognize so easily
all strange eggs, casting them out of the nest,! or else deserting it,
in regard to the Cuckoo’s eggs are quite blind, and cannot recog-
nize the red eggs among their green clutches,? and vice versa.
Therefore, (continues our author) I do not hesitate to set forth, as
a law of nature, that the eggs of the Cuckoo are in a very con-
siderable degree coloured and marked, like the eggs of those birds
in whose nests they are about to be laid, in order that they might
the less easily be recognized by the foster parents, as substituted.?
The next question examined is, “ whether the same hen Cuckoo
lays eggs of the same colour and markings only, and so is she limited
to the nests of but one species? or else, does the same individual »
lay eggs of different colour and markings, according to the char-
acter of the eggs, amongst which her own will be intruded?” Both
these theories have their advocates; those in favour of the last
view advancing the hypothesis that the sight of the eggs lying in
the nest, has such an influence on the hen which is just about to
lay, that the egg which is ready to be laid, assumes the colour and
markings of those before her, and for this, physiological reasons
are adduced, and analogies, not forgetting the well-known and
successful experiments of the patriarch Jacob. But Dr, Baldamus
rejects this opinion, and contends for the other view, (viz. that the
same Cuckoo lays eggs of one colour and markings only, and so is
limited to the nests of but one species;) and this he proves by
personal experience and observation ; by the fact that he has found
two differently marked Cuckoo’s eggs in one nest ; that he has also
1 Montagu’s Ornith. Dict. Introduction, p. iv.
2Or “‘loiters”’ as our Wiltshire rustics say: ‘‘ gelege”’ in German.
31t is worthy of remark, that whereas it has been often asserted that the egg
of the Cuckoo is by no means found in any proportion to the number of old birds
(for it is not a rare species) and every female would seem to lay annually from
four to six eggs; the difficulty is at once disposed of, if Dr. Baldamus’ theory
is correct, inasmuch as the great similarity of the egg of the Cuckoo to those of
the nest in which it is placed, may deceive human eyes no less than those of the
foster parents.
‘Genesis, chap. xxx, 37 et seq.
Life-history of the Cuckoo. 127
- found similarly marked eggs laid by one and the same Cuckoo, in
_ the nests of different species; and that he has found Cuckoo’s eggs
(though rarely) in such nests as have not yet received any eggs of the
owner,! in which case the Cuckoo is without any pattern of a fixed
form of colour for its egg. All these points in the argument, are
very carefully worked out at considerable length, and a large array
of proofs and instances brought forward to support his views; and
then our author deduces the conclusion, that all experience hitherto
known declares in favour of his assertion “that every Cuckoo lays
; 3 eggs of one colouring only, and consequently (as a general rule)
lays only in the nest of one species :” and he sums up his argument
asfollows: “ every pair or rather each individual Cuckoo is endowed
with the instinct to lay its eggs in the nests of some one species of
_ birds, which are fit to act the part of foster parents: so in order
that these latter may the less readily observe the strange egg, it is
found to be of similar colouring to their own; and for the same
_ reasons it is also so disproportionably small. Then every pair of
_ Cuckoos seeks its old district, or that spot where it breeds, just as
_ all other birds do.? Here it generally finds those species of insect-
_ ivorous birds which it requires for its peculiar circumstances: but
__ assuredly they are not always in the necessary numbers, or perhaps
_ they may for some cause be breeding earlier or later, than its six
to eight weeks time for laying? lasts: it will therefore be unable
to find for each of its eggs a fitting nest of that species to which
it was prepared to entrust it, and to which it was accustomed ; and
80 it finds itself obliged to introduce one and another egg, into the
nests of some other species, if haply by good chance it can do so.*
1 This is corroborated in the Naturalist for 1852, p. 33.
2 Blyth’s edition of White’s Selborne, p. 78.
5 Tegezeit” is the concise German word, for which we have no English
equivalent,
‘The Cuckoo however, alone of British birds, is generally supposed to haye
the faculty of retaining her egg in the ovarium, after it is arrived at maturity,
for a limited period of time. [Montagu’s Ornith. Dict. Introduction to vol. i., p. 8.
_ Jesse’s Gleanings in Nat. Hist. vol. ii., p. 125.] If this be correct, it will ac-
- count for the egg laid by the Cuckoo as it fell to the ground after it was
_ shot, recorded by Mr. 8, 8. Allen, [Ibis. vol. y., p. 358] and by my friend Mr.
128 On certain Peculiartties in the
Thus then it comes to pass that there are, and from the nature of
the circumstances there must be, proportionably many exceptions to
the rule. Thus too it comes to pass, that by far the greater num-
ber of Cuckoo’s eggs bear the type of the eggs of the ‘ White-throat ’
(Sylvia cinerea), and of the ‘Pied Wagtail’ (Motacilla Yarreilit),
the most common foster parents of the young Cuckoo ;! and per-
haps in some localities, of the ‘Meadow Pipit’ (Anthus pratensis),
the ‘Hedge Accentor’ (Accentor modularis), and of the ‘Reed
Wren’ (Sylvia arundinacea): and that on that account eggs of
such colouring form the most frequent exceptions; that is to say,
are most frequently found in the nests of other species. Thus too,
lastly it comes to pass, that these two above-named prevailing
colours of the Cuckoo’s eggs, are spread over most localities, whilst
at the same time they also appear, almost everywhere, as exceptions
in other nests. For the diffusion of these two species, (the com-
mon White-throat and the Pied Wagtail) is very extensive, and
their haunts usually offer to the Cuckoo also the requirements of
its existence: it is therefore not without signification, that one
seldom finds in their nests Cuckoo’s eggs of other colours, but one
does very frequently find in the nests of other birds, Cuckoo’s eggs
of their type.”
[I will just quote, before I take leave of Dr. Baldamus, the three
following deductions, which he draws from his observations, and
with which he concludes his paper.
I. “Nature must have some special motive in the circumstances
above detailed, so many, so connected together, but so peculiar.
II. That motive is plainly to be seen: viz. that by means of
certain laws originally made she may ensure and facilitate the
preservation of a species otherwise much exposed to danger.
III. She attains this end by a very simple method: in that she
Chambers, [Ibis, vol. v., p. 475]. See also M. Vaillant’s account of the African
Cuckoo shot by himself, and his faithful attendant, the Hottentot Klaas, and
the frequent occurrence of the egg laid by the Cuckoo as she fell wounded from
the tree. [Rennie’s Architecture of Birds, p. 378.]
1The Pied Wagtail, the Meadow Pipit, and the Hedge Warbler, are perhaps
most frequently chosen as the foster parents in this country.
Life-history of the Cuckoo. 129
invests every hen Cuckoo with the faculty of laying eggs, coloured
like the eggs of the bird, of whose nest she prefers to make use,
according to the locality; or in other words; every hen Cuckoo
lays eggs only of a fixed colour, corresponding with the eggs of
that warbler, in whose nest she lays them (as a general rule): and
she only lays in other nests, when at the time for her laying, one
of the species, of her own peculiar type, as we may say, which is
fitted for her in every particular, is not ready.’’]
Such is the very interesting and well sustained argument of Dr.
Baldamus: and however new and startling his hypothesis, however
_ unprecedented his conclusions, yet he supports his argument with
' such a battery of facts that his position seems almost impregnable.
_ Facts are proverbially stubborn things, and not to be overthrown
_ by opinions held only from the force of habit and not from conviction
of their truth. At the same time I am far from advocating any
_ acceptance of conclusions, until we have tried them and ascertained
their value. And so I would urge upon every outdoor observer,
_ (and everybody who lives in the country ought to be an out-dvor
4 observer) to assist in investigating this curious question, and I
i would invite them to communicate to this Natural History Society
eeny discoveries they may make, or any well ascertained facts they
_ may elicit. We have a new point before us in the history of the
_ Cuckoo suggested for our consideration: we all hear the Cuckoo’s
ery every spring all around us: we know then that the bird is with
us, laying its eggs in our neighbourhood: it requires only diligence
and observation and patience to make us acquainted with its habits.
But yet again I would repeat the caution against rushing too
quickly to conclusions: it is not an isolated fact here or there that
would warrant any inference: it is only by careful comparison of
many well authenticated particulars, that we are able to arrive at
any satisfactory decision. While on the other hand, the question
before us is not to be set on one side as the dream of an enthusiast,
or the fancy of a superficial naturalist. It is deliberately proposed
by a leading ornithologist, of mature judgment and deep scientific
a attainments: it is the result moreover of patient research, and a
= course of enquiry among men well calculated to form a right
ci
*
Bt aa
‘he
ry
¢
Bs dk ne
iviee
130 Examination of a Chambered Long Barrow
conclusion. Let me advise then, that while we keep our eyes
open in order to see for ourselves, and investigate the mystery,
we do not turn scornfully away from propositions which amaze,
but respectfully listen to the opinions of those who have acted as
our pioneers on this unknown track, and who have been busy in
searching for the truth upon a point which even now, at the end
of twelve long years, comes to us as a startling novelty.
ALFRED CHARLES SMITH.
Yatesbury Rectory, Calne,
August, 1865,
Examination of x Chambered Hong Barrowy,
at Celest Atennet, Wiltshire,
SZEASNE of the most remarkable chambered barrows of England
AN) is that at West Kennet, near the great stone circles of
Avebury, which was explored for the Wilts Archeological and
Natural History Society, in the summer of 1859, on the occasion
of the Meeting at Marlborough.
This long barrow has suffered much at the hands of the cultivators
of the soil. Whilst the “‘ Farmer Green” of Stukeley’s days seems
to have removed nearly all the stones which bounded its base, two
being all which remain standing ; later tenants, even in the present
century, have stripped it of its verdant turf, cut a waggon-road
through its centre, and dug for flints and chalk rubble in its sides,
by which its form and proportions have been much injured. Inspite —
of all this, however, the great old mound with its grey, time-stained —
stones, among which bushes of the blackthorn maintain a stunted —
growth—commanding as it does a view of Silbury Hill, and of a —
7A more fully detailed account of this tumulus, will be found in the |
Archeologia, vol. xxxviii., p. 405; where the notices of it by Aubrey, Stukeley
Sir Richard Hoare, Dean Merewether, and Mr. W. Long are given.
Fig. 1.
Fig. 2.
Wes SS CO Ga
Wes
‘Fig. 1. Plan of the Chambered Long Barrow at West Kennet.—Scale, 60 feet to an inch.
Fig. 2. The Long Barrow at West Kennet.—From a rude sketch by Aubrey, 0, 1665,
cee ws % . aikd = ry : a Sdn
ee
.
,
ce
I
+.
.
the "
a
at West Kennet, Wiltshire. — 131
great part of the sacred site of Avebury—has still a charm in its
wild solitude, disturbed only by the tinkling of the sheep-bell, or
perhaps the cry of the hounds. Shade, too, is not wanting; for
on the north side of the barrow, occupying the places once filled
by the encircling upright stones, are, what are rarely seen on these
downs, several ash and elm trees of from fifty to seventy years’
_ growth. At the foot of the hill, half a mile away to the east, lies
one of those long combs or valleys where the thickly scattered
masses of hard silicious grit or sarsen stone, still simulate a flock
of “ grey wethers,” and which, as Aubrey says, ‘‘one might fancy to
have been the scene where the giants fought with huge stones,
against the gods.” From this valley there can he little doubt
were derived the natural slab-like blocks, of which our “ giant’s
chamber” and its appendages were formed.
_ The tumulus, which is one of the longest known, measures 335
feet in length, 75 feet in width at the east end, and about 8 feet
in greatest height. (Fig. 1.) It has been surrounded by a complete
peristalith, which according to John Aubrey, was nearly perfect in
the 17th century, but of which fragments only now remain. (Fig. 2.)
Near both the north-east and south-east angles of the tumulus, two
stones remain standing, and there are two or three others which
have fallen or been broken away, and are now partially buried in
the turf. The entire barrow was no doubt originally surrounded
with a ring of these stones, just as was the great chambered cairn
of New Grange in Ireland. Some of the chambered long barrows
_ of the west of England, as those of Stoney Littleton and Uley,
__ have been enclosed by a dry walling of stone in horizontal courses,
_ ¢arried to a height of from two to three feet. The surrounding
ad ew
a
wall of the long barrow at West Kennet, as is the case with
similar tumuli in this district, united both methods, and was
formed by a combination of ortholithic and horizontal masonry,
Fig. 3. Peristalith.—Scale, 10 feet to an inch.
VOL. X.—NO. XXIX. . I
132 Examination of a Chambered Long Barrow
This was ascertained by digging between the stones at the north-
east angle of the tumulus. Here, at one spot, were several tile-
like oolitic stones, the remains no doubt of a dry walling, by which
the spaces between the sarsen ortholiths had been filled up, after
the manner shown in the accompanying woodcut (fig. 3), though,
carried probably to a greater height. In the long barrow on
Walker Hill (Alton Down), near its east end, is an upright of
sarsen, and below the turf at a little distance on each side, another
fallen ortholith of the same stone was uncovered. Between these,
on each side of the remaining upright, a horizontal walling of
oolitic stones was found neatly faced on the outside, five or six
courses of which remained undisturbed.
Permission had not been given to move any of the stones on the
surface, and operations were confined to the neighbourhood of the
presumed chamber, and to digging on the east and west sides of
Fig. 6, Gallery looking towards the Chamber.
eR ee Oe COL GN OME E bene
{
2s
SSS
SS SSS
SSS
SS
SaaS
aH
SS
Ae:
\, fil
|
‘(i
|
fi Ni
SS
SS :
SS
Kt
|
ee ee een =
Fig. 4. View in the Chamber looking through the entrance.
Fig. 5. Plan of Chamber and Gallery.
-
re
Fragments of Pottery from the Long Barrow, West Kennet.
Figs. 10 and 12, actual size. Figs. 9 and 11, two thirds size.
7
at West Kennet, Wiltshire. 133
the three large cap-stones. Omitting the details of the excavation,
it may suffice to state that the chamber was entered from the west
end, and was found to be formed of six upright sarsen stones,
covered by three very large blocks of the same, and having a
gallery entering it from the east, similarly constructed. (Figs. 4, 5, 6.)
The chamber was about eight feet in length, by nine in breadth,
and nearly eight feet in clear height. On clearing out the earth
and chalk-rubble with which it was filled, the chamber was found
to contain six skeletons, all, so far as could be made-out, in the
_ crouched or sitting posture,—five being probably of males from 17
to 50 years of age, and the sixth that of an infant. With one
exception, they were of less than middle stature. Two of the
skulls were remarkable for distinct traces of fractures, unequivo-
_ cally inflicted before burial and probably before death. Bones of
_ various animals used for food were found, including those of the
sheep or goat, ox of a large size, roebuck, boars and other swine.
_ There were very numerous flakes and knives of flint, some of which
were circular and elaborately chipped at the edges: one only had
Fig. 8,
Figs. 7, 8. Flint Impiements from the Chambered Barrow, West Kennet,
Two thirds size.
been ground (fig. 7), and may have been used in flaying animals,
There were two or three large mallets or mullers of flint and
_ sarsen stone, part of a rude bone pin, and a single hand-made bead of
_ Kimmeridge shale. The fragments of coarse but ornamented pottery
were remarkable for their number and variety (figs. 9,10); and in
‘three of the four angles of the chamber tuere was a pile of such,
evidently deposited in a fragmentary state, there being scarcely
: 12
134 Examination of a Chambered Long Barrow.
more than two or three portions of the same vessel. Onesmall vase
had been perforated at the bottom and sides. (Fig. 11.) In the cen-
tral part of the chamber was a shard of pottery, perhaps Roman, (fig.
12); and a fragment undoubtedly such, was turned up at somé depth
outside the chamber, near its western end,—affording a probable
indication that it had been searched during the Roman period.
By whomsoever opened, its contents had been but partially dis-
turbed ; as was proved by the condition and order of the skeletons,
and by the presence of a defined layer of black unctuous earth
immediately above them. Not a bit of burnt bone or other sign
of cremation was met with; there were no traces of metal, either
of bronze or iron; or of any arts for the practice of which a know-
ledge of metallurgy is essential.
The upright and covering stones, of which the chamber and its
appendages were formed, were of the hard silicious grit or sarsen
stone of the district; the horizontal masonry (of which there were
traces between the uprights at the bottom of the chamber and
gallery, as well as surrounding the base of the mound), was of tile-
like stones of calcareous grit, the nearest quarries of which are in
the neighbourhood of Calne, about seven miles to the west.
The skulls, of which four were nearly perfect, are more or less of
the lengthened oval form, with the occiput expanded and projecting,
and present a strong contrast to skulls from the circular barrows of
Wiltshire. They confirm the observation previously made, that
crania from the long chambered tumuli of this part of Britain are
usually of a narrow and peculiarly lengthened form. The forehead
is mostly low and narrow; the face and jaws, as compared with the
other ancient British type, decidedly small.
The principal skeleton, to which the skull figured in “ Crania
Britannica,” (pl. 50) belonged, was that of a man about 35 years
of age. It was deposited in the north-west angle of the chamber,
with the legs flexed against the north wall. The thigh bone —
measured 172 inches, giving a probable stature of 5 feet 5 inches.
The skull faced the west. The lower jaw was found about a foot
nearer to the centre of the chamber, as if it had fallen from the
cranium in the process of decay. Being imbedded in the clayey
a
+ raped:
st
7
SS
«By
personal inspection might be made by whomsvever the subject may
be taken up at some future time. The writer would also add, that
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 135
floor, the jaw was singularly well preserved, of an ivory whiteness
and density, and even retained distinct traces of the natural oil or
medulla. Near the skull was a curious implement of black flint—
a sort of circular knife with a short projecting handle, the edges
elaborately chipped. (Fig. 8.) The skeleton was perhaps that of a
chief, for whose burial the chamber and tumulus were erected, and
in honour of whom certain slaves and dependants were immolated.
J. T.
The Horest Crees of Wiltshire.
Br W. B., RB. D.
Gy
1° a writer of the following pages begs at the outset to state,
¥) 4) that, at the solicitation of two friends who are much
nterested in this Magazine, and with fear and trembling, he is
ass
making the attempt to give some slight account of the Forest Trees
of Wiltshire. He begs also to state, that his knowledge of the
county is limited, being confined to a comparatively small portion
. of the districts in it :—that he is totally unacquainted with botany,
and that what little he knows of trees is derived mainly from a
practical, not at all from a scientific acquaintance with them, and
from having read Evelyn’s “Sylva,” when a boy. Under these
circumstances he hopes every allowance will be made for those
many short-comings and imperfections which cannot fail to be
manifest throughout. He hopes, too, that those very imperfections
will induce some well-qualified person to take up the subject in
order that justice may be done it. To that end he would suggest
that those readers of the Magazine who have on their own estates,
or who live in the neighbourhood of trees remarkable for historical
associations, age, size, or any note-worthy quality, should commu-
nicate with the Secretary of the Society about them, so that a
136 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
in almost every instance where minute particulars are given—
(except where the passage is marked as a quotation)—he has himself
seen or measured the trees of which he is speaking.
The description of Wiltshire by an old author, namely, that the
northern parts are the paradise of horned cattle, and the southern
the paradise of sheep, would seem to indicate that, in the former,
forests and giant trees must be looked for, rather than in the latter.
With regard to trees, generally, that appears to be the fact; but
with respect to forests, the south seems at any rate to have been
equal to the north. But where, now, are the forests of Bredon,
Chut, Gaiternac, Pemshaur, Sanernack and Selwood, mentioned
by Sir Henry Spermay, in his list of Wiltshire forests? Gone;
all gone, as forests, except Sanernack, now spelt Savernake, the
glory of the county, and one of the glories of the kingdom, if not
its chief glory; and Selwood, presuming that Longleat, a forest in
all but name, formed part of it, which probably it did. Chut, of
course is Chute, but whatever remains of a forest may be found
there, can hardly be claimed as belonging to Wiltshire. Of the
other three, nothing in the shape of a forest is to be seen :— the
names even of Gaiternac and Pemshaur not being in any modern
list of parishes or places; and Bredon, which most likely means
Braydon, having been disafforested in the reign of Charles IT.
Speaking at large, the Brxcu, the Exim, and the Oax may be
said to be the trees of the county; and in such numbers are they
found, and of such a size and age that they may reasonably be
supposed to be indigenous. But with regard to the elm, the one
which from its undisputed predominance in all the valleys, as well
of the adjoining counties as of Wilts ;—from its almost spontaneous
growth, a growth so nearly spontaneous that were the scythe and
cattle kept out of the rich pastures for some dozen years, every
valley would become a dense forest, were not even one single tree
to be planted by the hand of man. But with regard to the elm, |
strange to say, its being indigenous in England is disputed. The
Builder assumes that it is not ; that is to say, that the common elm,
the Ulmus campestris, is not; the Wych, or Scotch Elm only being
so. Whether, as the Builder asserts, “the common elm is not
ee
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. . 137
found in a native state here in the woods and forests, but is gener-
ally confined to the neighbourhood of man’s abode, where it has
been planted,” the writer of these pages cannot say. He is not,
as he has intimated above, a book-learned man, nor a learned man
at all; but taking into consideration the very numerous individual
trees that may be found scattered all over the country, particularly
in the south-western counties, trees of gigantic growth and bearing
every evidence of extreme old age; and with the fact staring him
in the face that whole districts—(take the Trowbridge valley as an
instance)—-are thickly covered with this tree, and would, as before
_ stated, become a forest in a few years, as dense a forest as any that
ever covered any part of these islands, were they to be left to a state
of nature, he cannot but think that the elm has as good a claim to
_ be numbered among our indigenous trees as any other, in the absence
_ of anything like evidence to the contrary. Anyhow, wherever its
_ original home may happen to have been, it has gained an inde-
_ feasible settlement in this country for itself and its numerous family.
_ Most people are aware that the elm is frequently attacked,
| in some hollow place, or on a wound where a branch has been
broken off, by a parasitic growth, in the shape of a mushroom-like
looking fungus. But it is not so generally known that “one of
the most singular of all vegetable growths, the ‘Jew’s Ear,’
although not altogether peculiar to, appears frequently on the
trunk of the elm-tree. It is not confined to the living tree, but
will at times appear on elm-stakes and gate-posts. In its early
state it does not always take the precise form of an ear; but when
_well-grown it presents an exact counterpart of a human ear, the
folding, and undulations, and the delicate veining, are exact dupli-
cates of the ear of man. The substance is dusky, downy, soft, and
flesh-like, and is in every way a precise and startling transcript of
the human original. The ‘Jew’s Ear’ has been well known from
very ancient times, and was at one time, and is in some places now
supposed to possess magical curative powers. It is still an article
__ of commerce, and sold in some markets, both at home and abroad.”
= But to come to individual trees. There may be larger, there
_ may be finer and handsomer elms, but so far as the writer’s know-
Rete ee
188 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
ledge goes, the finest specimen, in this county, of the common
elm, is to be found at Holt, near Trowbridge, standing on a small
triangular green, between the church and Holt brewery, close to
the latter. On visiting it lately, he ascertained its measurement
to be as follows :—at about five feet from the ground, twenty-two
feet in circumference; at between one and two feet, thirty-four
feet ; and at the ground (as he was told and believes truly,) forty-
four feet. Its height is generally supposed to be about a hundred
feet; probably not at all above the mark. So magnificent a tree
demands some further particulars. The main stem runs up,
straight, forty feet or more, where further trace of it is lost among
the branches, which are there so numerous and close that the eye
cannot follow the “stick”? any higher. At about ten feet from the
ground, the first limbs, four in number, were thrown out; one on
each side of the stem: but of these three only remain, one having
been torn off in a storm some fifty years ago:—the only mutilation
of any consequence that this noble elm seems to have sustained
during the many centuries in which it must have been exposed to
the wars of the elements. That one limb was sold for £15; from
which circumstance some approximating guess may be formed of
the great value of the tree at that time; probably some £200 or
more. The wound caused by this loss, is somewhat lessened by the
growing-in of the bark, in an effort of nature to close it up; but
even now the cavity is fully five feet in length, and between three
and four in breadth. Of the three remaining limbs, some are
upwards of ten feet in circumference where they spring from the
trunk. At this point of course as in almost all cases, they are not
round but oval; an elongated, perpendicular oval, a provision of
nature to give support to the limb by a sort of fulcrum. They all
sweep ‘upwards soon after leaving the stem, becoming perpendicular
or very nearly so, at a distance of some few feet from the bole.
One of them which continued its horizontal growth further than —
the others, has at a short distance from its source, sent up a second
shoot—a branch from a branch—so that there are two large timber
trees standing up, as it were on a bracket, from the side of the
parent stem. At some ten or twelve feet above this row of branches,
i
Ua
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 139
another set spring out at opposite angles to the first row, taking a
somewhat similar form of growth to them. High up above these
are many smaller ones forming a fine head, towering up into an
imposing mass of foliage. It is a noble and grand-looking tree,
and barring the vacuum caused by the loss of that great limb, it is,
for its age, very symmetrical. It is difficult to get at the spread
of the branches, a difficulty enhanced by the loss of this great
limb; but as, on the opposite side it is fully sixty feet from the
_ foot of the tree to the drip from the outer twigs, it may be fairly
estimated that the circumference of the spread would, but for that
loss, be some four hundred feet. There are several elms in the
* immediate neighbourhood of this great tree, of nearly equal size at
a few feet from the ground; but they are not to be compared with
. it in any other point. Favouring the indigenous, rather than the
non-indigenous side of the question as to the common elm, it may
i be stated that these trees have an appearance of much greater age
_ than their majestic fellow-parishioner.
Let it not be supposed that Holt is the only place in this county
: _where great elms are to be found. Go where you will, in valley
bi or bourne, there you find them, and, probably enough, many larger
_ and finer even than that “Anak” just described. In Spye Park fine
Specimens of the common elm may be found, from eighty to a
hundred feet high, with a circumference of fourteen or fifteen feet,
at three or four feet from the ground, and with branches extending
forty or fifty feet from the trunk :—clear, straight, sound, hand-
some trees. Also some remarkable old Wych Elms: one which.
stood near the stables,—for years a mere wreck, and now with
scarcely more than a stump remaining—had a trunk of great cir-
ecumference, probably forty feet or more. Another fine old tree is
remarkable for having, among others, one particularly long branch
which sweeps down to the ground where it has taken root in several
places, and rising up again, has attained a length of twenty one yards
from the stem. Then there is a very old tree, quite hollow, with
an opening on one side large enough to admit a cow; a circumstance
_ which did actually occur some years ago; the beast having walked
in, turned partly round, stuck fast, and failing in her attempts to
140 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
get out, died there. The diameter of the inside is more than six
feet; and the outside at five feet from the ground is twenty-four
feet in circumference. As before stated, fine elms are to be found
in every part of the county, from Charlton Park in the north, to
the Close in Salisbury in the south, where noble specimens may be
seen. In the centre also, quite near to the town of Devizes, in a
field through which the foot-path leading to the ‘“‘ Iron Pear Tree
Farm ” goes, are two noble and beautiful common elms; there is
little or no difference in size between them, either measuring
upwards of fifteen feet in circumference at about four or five feet
from the ground. Some fine Wych Elms may also be found within
a mile or little more of the same spot. They stand in the last
division of a large grass field, at the back of Rowdeford house
through which a foot-path runs into the Chippenham road.
Before quitting the elm, a few words may be said with regard to
pruning that, or any other deciduous tree. If beauty is of any
importance, no evergreen tree ought ever to be touched, except
perhaps, in the slightest degree, to maintain uniformity of growth
in its early stages. Speaking generally,—PRUNE Nor aT ALL,
ought to be a maxim as strictly to be observed as swear not at all.
The attempt to improve nature is always a dangerous experiment,
and almost always a miserable failure. Still there are cases in
which something may be done with advantage. For example:
when a young tree (especially an elm), instead of throwing out its
branches somewhat horizontally, breaks into two leading shoots,
one ought to be removed, or shortened, so as to retard its growth.
If this be not done when these two leaders become a foot or there-
abouts in diameter at the point of division, a very high wind fre-
quently makes them open at the fork and one is torn off, leaving
a long hideous wound, or the entire top will be lost. Again, when
pruning becomes absolutely necessary in consequence of a branch
being broken, cut it off either quite close to the stem, or leave it a
sufficient length to ensure its remaining alive, thus preventing that
greatest of all injuries to timber, namely, dead branches being
grown into the wood. Mind, too, that your cut be left quite smooth,
and if on a stump of some length in order that it may be kept
ee ee ee ee eee
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 141
alive, by all means let it be cut sloping wnder, so that neither rain
“nor snow may lodge on the cut, as, when that is the case the stump
soon decays at the centre and forms a tube which will convey water
to the very heart of the tree, and consequently cause it to become
rotten and worthless. Let it never be forgotten that generally
‘speaking the more branches and leaves a tree has, the quicker and
sreater will be its growth; every leaf being a mouth, and every
tw g and every branch a throat to convey nutriment to the body
of ad tree. What: so frightful as a tree ripe almost to the tops
or what so absurd as to suppose that a tree so maltreated can thrive
like one left to its kind nursing-mother, nature ? To promote the
growth of trees in a plantation, give them air and room, not by
depriving them of the means of taking food by such foolish prun-
ing, but by a judicious thinning of the whole plantation, a weeding
of _ removing the small and weakly plants, and not, as is too
or: Brrcu.—This tree standing next to the elm in point of
numbers in this county, deserves the second place here. As the elm
predominates in the vales, so does the beech on the high grounds.
jven on the poorest downs where the chalk is barely covered with
l, it thrives better than almost any other tree, and in many
ses thrives well. But the part of the county where it may be
md in the greatest numbers and of the greatest size and beauty,
is neither a vale nor a chalk down. Still it is high ground. It is
han dly necessary to say that Tottenham Park is the place indicated,
‘There it is found not only in the greatest numbers, but of the
greatest beauty. Well does the writer remember, and never, while
memory remains, will he forget the impression which the first view
_ of the sylvan beauties of that park and of Savernake Forest made
upon him. The grand avenue through which you enter from
Marlborough ; the clumps with which the park is dotted; the noble
single trees which continually present themselves; the beauty of
he forest itself with its lovely glades, its giant oaks, its wide
142 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
spreading beech, and its graceful, drooping feathery birch; to
say nothing of the numberless old hawthorn trees, gleaming in the
spring with their glorious white blossoms, and filling the air with
the scent of the sweet May. But besides these enchanting sights,
there is something, too, that moves the heart to different feelings
—to rejoice that those whom Gop has blessed with such choice
gifts, have not forgotten Him who gave, but have manifested their
gratitude by raising and dedicating to His service two beautiful
churches, one on either side of the forest, at Cadley and at Bedwyn.
To the noble Marchioness of Ailesbury be that praise given,
which is so richly her due for so great and so good a work.
Here, in the temples built by man, and equally in Gop’s own
temple, may worship and adoration be paid to the Giver of all
Good.
‘¢ The woods I make my CuuRcH; my preacher boughs,—
Whispering high homilies through leafy lips.
Lo! worshipers in every bee that sips
Sweet cordial from the tiniest flower that grows
’Mid the young grass; and in each bird that dips
Light pinions in the sunshine, as it throws
Gold showers upon green trees.—All things around
Are full of praise of God!”
The avenue having been mentioned as a striking feature in this
sylvan paradise, a short description of it, taken from a local source,
published some few years ago may be permitted :—‘* Composed
principally of beech trees, and extending fully four miles in length,
that Avenue is, perhaps, the grandest in England, if not in the
world. Who has not felt awe-inspired on entering and looking up
at the long-drawn aisle, the tall columns, the pointed arch of some
noble cathedral? Those who have not, perhaps might experience
no awe, no kindred feeling here; but to those who have, the
cathedral aisle will sink to nothing, as the work of man’s imitative
hand must ever do in comparison with the works of Nature. Here
is the dim religious light in its true perfection, for it is not an
Avenue composed of a single line of trees on either side, but of
trees innumerable, spreading far to right and left; their tall,
straight trunks rising high in air, and their lofty branches
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 148
thoroughly interlacing overhead, and forming the completest and
most perfect pointed arch that eye can see or mind conceive. Nor
is there that sameness that might be supposed. There are some
breaks in the Avenue, such for example, as the beautiful open space
—a fine rich-looking lawn—on one side of which, in a sweet
sequestered nook, once stood Savernake Lodge :—the ‘ Octagon,’
where the ‘eight walks’ meet; and some short open spaces,
where the old beech lines are varied by oak and beech intermixed,
planted at a much more recent period. And in addition to these
breaks, the undulating surface of the ground, which shows this
noble arch in all its phases, sometimes on the level, sometimes on
the ascent, or on the descent, with ever and anon, on reaching the
top of an acclivity, a peep at distant portions far beyond, and
looking separate from that above you ;—all this relieves it from
any approach to monotony. It is a grand and glorious sight, and
one that cannot be seen without feelings of admiration, and some-
thing akin to awe.”
But what of Lonerzat?—Second only to Tottenham, and that,
perhaps, only as regards the avenue,—sylvan beauty abounds in
every part. The Warminster entrance to the park is called
_ “Hfeaven’s Gate,” and certainly, if anything here below deserves
_ such a name, the scene that bursts upon the visitor on passing
through that gate warrants it being so called. Unfortunately for
the writer, Longleat is, comparatively so little known to him that
he is unable to speak of it as fully as he could have wished. But
this he can safely say, that, the avenue apart, Longleat may vie with
Tottenham in every other respect. The latter, though full of
gentle undulations, is too flat to afford those delightful views which
break upon you so frequently at the former. There the dells are
deeper, the hills are higher; and on gaining the top of any of the
rather steep ascents, some distant object—a column, a mansion, a
hamlet, or at a greater distance some town, meets the eye; and
being viewed over the dense masses of luxuriant foliage at your feet
and spreading out before you, renders the scene rich and charming
_ to a degree this pen lacks the power of describing as it deserves.
Looking down from one of those eminences whence the
144 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
stately mansion may be seen, an imaginative, romantic person
might almost fancy himself perched on the topmost bough of some
gigantic tree,—the house to be the nest of some monster bird far
exceeding in size ‘Sinbad’s Roc,”—and the circumjacent woods
to be the entire top of that mammoth tree on which he is placed ;
—so thick, so close, so dense is the leafy sea around him.
To return to the immediate subject. So far as the tree now under
notice (the beech) is concerned, Longleat swarms with noble speci-
mens, although it is not so much the tree of the place as of
Tottenham. With regard to other trees, it is rich indeed; almost
every kind being found there of noble proportions and of great
beauty. Perhaps it is most noted for its silver firs, unusually
large specimens of which are to be found there, and will be more
particularly noticed in their proper place, in speaking of other
members of the “ Pine” family. It is also, or rather it has long
been supposed to be famous for its Weymouth Pines. This tree,
the “White Pine,” attains an enormous size in North America,
one having been spoken of some thirty years ago in a work of repu-
tation, as being then growing near Fort Astoria, on the banks of
the river Columbia, which at fifty feet from the ground measured
sixty feet in circumference, and ran to a height of two hundred
feet, with a clear trunk, free from side branches, and a fine head
above. It was introduced into England in the early part of the
last century, was planted in considerable numbers at Longleat by
the then noble owner, Lord Wrymourtu, and from that circumstance
obtained its present well-known name. But they did not thrive,
there or elsewhere, as it was expected they would: the soil or cli-
mate of this kingdom not seeming to suit them. They never
attained any very great size, and a very few only, and those but
insignificant specimens remain. The probability is, that some
person who visited Longleat, bearing in mind the connexion
between the name of the noble owner of that noble estate, and the
tree in question, mistook the grand silver firs, for which it is so
justly famous, for Weymouth Pines, and hence the error.
Before leaving the Brercu, the writer ventures to mention a tree
not in this, but in an adjoining county. It stands at Corhampton,
/ 4
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 145
near to Bishop’s Waltham, in Hants. It is.not for its great age
or enormous size that it is noticed, for although a large tree, it is
by no means an old one, but for its symmetry and beauty. To all
appearance it is now in the full vigour of growth, and not unlikely
to continue so for many generations. But even for size, it is some-
what of a giant, as the following dimensions will show. At six
feet from the ground its trunk, which is clean and clear to a
height of eighteen feet, measures fourteen feet round it. At that
height it branches out into a splendid head, the circumference of
which is two hundred and forty feet. Such a fine, healthy, growing
tree, so handsome and uniform in figure, is seldom seen. Bowood,
too, in its woods and lovely pleasure grounds affords many beautiful
specimens of this charming tree. So also does Roundway Park,
where fine beeches form an important feature among the many
beauties of that delightful place.
To give the first in rank,— Tue Monarcu Oax,”’—the third
place here, may seem to be disloyal; but no disloyalty, nor even
; any slight is intended, for no one holds the Oak in more esteem,
_ or has more veneration for it than the writer. With him it stands,
_ and always did, first and foremost for beauty, grandeur, and useful-
ness, no tree unless it be the Cepar or Lzsanon being at all to be
compared to it. What some of the “Pines” and “ Firs” which
have been introduced during the present century ;—what the great-
est and grandest of all as it is found in its native country—the
* WELLINGToNIA GIGANTEA”’ may become some generations hence,
no one can say; but at present, here, the oak and the cedar are
without compeers. Everywhere in this country the oak is to be
met with, and grand specimens of it, in greater numbers than of
any other tree, are to be found. Here, in this county, there is no
lack of them. In the two princely domains which have been
especially mentioned, the monarch is to be seen in all his glory.
In every state of existance you will find him, from the sapling with
a.
4
x
: ‘-
bea.’
smooth shining bark, up to the mature timber-tree in its noble
proportions, its sound, solid trunk with its rough covering, crowned
with a forest of boughs spreading on all sides and stretching its
arms towards Heaven, and down to the storm-riven, branchless,
146 The Forest Trees of Wilishire.
and almost leafless shell, still majestic even in the last state of
decay. What more impressive spectacle can be seen? Where
can mortal man find a sight more calculated to fill his soul with
thoughts of Heaven, and to inspire him with admiration, love, and
reverence for his great Creator? What human being is there
whose mind would not be turned from earth to Heaven by scenes,
the mere contemplation of which would not only fill him with
gratitude for such “ Altars,” but remind him of that promised
land, the glories of which will so immeasurably surpass anything
here below, and which will be the reward of those who shall serve
their Maker in sincerity and in truth. With such sights around,
who would not join in the apostrophe of the dying Hebrew, thus
sweetly rendered by one of England’s most gifted authors,—
‘In this great Temple built by Thee,
Whose Altars are divine,
Beneath yon Lamp, that, ceaselessly,
Lights up Thine own true Shrine,
Oh! take my latest sacrifice,—
Look down and make this sod
Holy as that where, long ago,
The Hebrew met his Gop!”
At Tottenham, in that part of the forest that lies between the
Column and the spot where Savernake Lodge once stood, number-
less oaks will be found of from fifteen up to twenty feet and more
in circumference, and of great height; vigorous, sound, and still
growing trees. Among the patriarchs are some, which, though hol-
low, and greatly broken and disfigured by the loss of immense limbs
and branches, are noble relics of the past. Of these, two may be par-
ticularly mentioned,—the “ King’s Oak,” and the “ Duke’s Vaunt,”
each measuring, at five feet from the ground, about twenty-five
feet in circumference. In another part of the forest is the
** Decanter Oak,” (so called from its singular form, which somewhat
resembles an old fashioned decanter) it is of about equal girth with
the two first named. Nor is Longleat less famous for its oaks,
There, too, are numbers of as noble specimens as any one can desire
to see. Trees of all ages, and almost of all sizes, though certainly
none equal to the famed “ Golynos Oak,” which, although measuring
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 147
only ten feet up to where its head branched out, was sold, standing,
for’ no ‘less a sum than 400 guineas, in the year 1810. But when
one of them is mentioned and that probably not the largest, a
perfectly sound and still growing tree, with a clear, clean trunk of
fully twenty-five feet in height up to the first branches, and
measuring at three feet from the ground, as many feet in circum-
ference, nothing more needs to be said about the specimens to be
‘seen in that domain.
Going northward some fifteen or twenty miles thence, Spyz
Parx and Bowoop will afford numerous specimens well worthy of
admiration and of notice; and at a short distance beyond at Biack-
LAND Park, is an oak more than locally celebrated, and deservedly
so from its great size and fine proportions. It is a great and a
good tree, being perfectly sound and vigorous. It may safely
challenge to be, in all respects, the Premier Oak in the county.
Measuring on the ground, which however is no fair criterion, it is
_ thirty-one feet in circumference. At rather more than a foot from
the ground it is twenty-seven feet, and at about eighteen feet from
the ground it is eighteen and a half in circumference. Very large
branches from nine to twelve feet in circumference, are thrown out
at intervals, the lowest being upwards of eighteen feet from the
ground, forming a very noble head. The spread of the branches
cannot cover an area of less than three hundred and twenty feet.
Spyz Park, a place of singular natural beauty, as well from the diver-
sified surface of the ground, as for the splendid views obtained from
it to the east, south, and west, but particularly to the west, must
formerly have been rich indeed in timber, especially oaks; doubt-
less having once, with Bowood, formed part of the ancient but
now non-existing forest of Pewsham. In addition to some very
fine oaks—forming what may not improperly be called a “ grove”
of oaks, which is quite a feature of the place,—are a number of
venerable relics, some of immense size, and although almost head-
less, apparently sound; that is to say without any outward openings
indicative of their being hollow. . Several of these measure from
twenty, to twenty-four or twenty-five feet in circumference at twe
or three feet from the ground; and one as much as thirty-four
"VOL. X.—NO. XXIX. K
148 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
feet! This tree is hollow; but up to six or eight feet, it looks as
if it were sound; and it has a considerable thickness of sound
burred wood for its walls; but if you climb up to the opening at
the top, you can look into a sort of well where several persons
might stand. Some in a dying or dead state, with bare limbs,
stripped of bark, broken off short, and stretching out like the
arms of giants, form striking objects, looking very ghostly by
moonlight, and possibly, fearful ones to timid, nervous persons.
There must have been, not very many years ago, some fine trees
at Whetham; but it is not cf trees the writer would speak now,
but of something much more alluring to bold and enterprising
boys. A pair of Krrn’s had chosen one of the tallest for their
domicile, and spite of many ineffectual attempts to carry off the
young ones, they successfully defended and maintained their strong-
hold against all comers. Of the enemy were two lads, relatives,
who having been several times foiled, and pretty well mauled, clawed
and pecked as well, determined on one more attempt. So, having
got all ready, the younger and lesser one, not having been sent on
the forlorn hope, because of his being the lighter, and therefore
less likely to come to mortal hurt in a fall, but because he sought
glory more ardently, prepared to scale the fortress. Up; up; up;
without great difficulty; then a slip almost to the bottom. It is
needless to recount all the slips, all the narrow escapes; the torn
clothes, and the scarcely less damaged skin. At last both young
birds were secured ; and for want of a better temporary cage were
consigned to the loose space between the shirt and smock-frock.
Short work was soon made of the shirt, but the smock being
securely buttoned, no escape offered, and it would not tear. Well;
to make a long story short, the descent was safely though not
bloodlessly effected ; and the kite’s and their captor lived as har-
moniously as captive and conqueror usually do. The boys were
the admiration of their fellows; and the captor still lives to show
the scars received on this memorable occasion.
The Asu, so fine and handsome a tree, so useful to the carpenter
and to the wheelwright, and so universally known and used, is not,
so far as the writer’s knowledge goes, particularly well represented
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 149
in this county. There are some fine trees at Longleat ; tall, straight,
clean and sound, many of them probably measuring ten or twelve
feet in circumference at three or four feet from the ground. At
Tottenham also, you will find numbers answering to a like des-
cription. Probably there may be giant ashes, as well as oaks, elms,
and other trees in Wilts; but the writer has not fallen in the way
of them, nor has he heard of any. The largest ash tree in this
country is said to stand in Bedfordshire, at Woburn Park. Its
height is stated at ninety feet; the stem alone being twenty-eight
feet. At the ground its circumference is given as twenty-three
feet six inches; at one foot, twenty feet; and at three feet from
the ground, fifteen feet three inches. Doubtless this is a very fine
tree; but it may well be questioned whether its description as the
“largest in this country,”—a wide limit—is correct. It is highly
probable that Jarger ones may be found in this county, for among
q _ the old trees at Spye Park the writer has seen one—and there may
be more—which may venture to compete with this “ Jargest ash.”
The tree alluded to has a short trunk; and at three feet from the
ground it is the same size as the Woburn tree, namely, fifteen feet
in circumference. Of the three points of measurement given, this
is the fairest for comparison, the ground or even one foot above it,
not being any just criterion as to the size ofa tree. This Spye
Park ash is somewhat remarkable in its growth and appearance ;
for it has not a “head,” in the common acceptation of the term,
but seven large limbs, each a timber in point of size, which spring
from it, rising to a very considerable height, with clean stems, free
from small branches either on them or at the top of the trunk
itself. To account for such a singular form of growth, it is proba-
ble that it was pollarded when quite a young tree, or that it lost
its top from some accident. The ash is certainly a graceful tree,
so much so in the estimation of some that G1LPIN, in his “ Forest
Scenery ”’ calls it the “‘ Venus of the Woods,” whereupon the cele-
brated Witi1am Consett, in his “ Woodlands,” makes the following
quaint but true remark; alluding to its leaves, he says:—“ Well ;
if the Ash be the ‘ Venus of the Woods,’ she certainly must be
_ the naked Venus, for she is the last to put on her clothes, and the first
K 2
150 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
to take them off again, and when on they are rather of the thinest.”
Were there any individuals of the Pine and Fir tribes in this
country, of the same age as our oak, elm, ash or beech trees, there
is no doubt but that in bulk, if not in height, specimens would be
found in Wiltshire of very much larger proportions than any
that are known, or at any rate, generally known to exist in it.
Still there are some noble examples; Larcn, Sitver, Score, and
Spruce, being found of large dimensions in many parts of this
county, as well as in the kingdom at large. To begin with the
Larcu. This tree is not generally supposed to have been introduced
into this country much above 100 or 150 years ago, and therefore
it cannot be expected to have attained the size of oaks or other
trees which are in a manner native born to the soil, and many of
which have probably reached the age of 1000 or more years. But
for their age they have grown well, as the examples about to be
given show. Two of the most remarkable specimens known to
the writer, are now growing on the lawn in the garden at Nonsuch
House, in the parish of Bromham, near to Devizes. They are
said to be two of those first introduced into this country from the
Tyrol, and to have been brought over in pots. Some few others
were planted in different parts of this county; but the greater
part of them were sent to Dunkeld in Scotland, to the Duke of
Athol, were planted there, and have thriven and multiplied to a
wonderful degree and extent. The soil at Bromham is generally,
a poor, red sand, and therefore it could hardly be expected that
these trees should have attained a great altitude; besides, the spot
where they stand is very high, and exposed to all the winds that
blow, particularly to the cutting east winds that come sweeping
over Roundway downs. Another of the same lot,—having some
fine Scotch firs near it,—was planted at Spye Park: it is a fine
picturesque tree, less in girth, but considerably taller than those
at Nonsuch, both of which are of the same height,—about sixty
feet. The Nonsuch trees stand close together, that is to say, not
above twenty feet apart, their branches interlacing and bringing
each within the embrace of the other, looking like loving twins.
They are well feathered. The trunk of each is clear of branches
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 151
for ten or twelve feet, and the larger ones which are thrown out
at that height, sweep down to the ground or within a foot or two
of it, and then rise again with a slight but graceful curve toa
considerable distance,—some of them, where they have had space
to grow and have not been broken or shortened, extending to a
distance of forty-five feet or more from the bole, Thus had either
of them stood alone with sufficient space around it, there is very
little doubt but that the circumference of the spread of the branches
might have been nearly, if not quite three hundred feet. Each
tree is fully fifteen feet in circumference at between three and four
feet ftom the ground, where the trunk is clear of those swellings
that are so often found at, and just above the roots. At the ground
one of them measured twenty-one feet in circumference. On the
whole these two larch firs are the most worthy of notice of any the
writer has seen. On the south side of Nonsuch House are the
remains of an avenue of Scotch firs: good, tall, clean, straight
- trees, and of fair size; one of them measuring ten feet in circum-
ference at a foot from the ground. There is also a larch in the
gardens at Tottenham Park, with the same history attached to it.
It is from eighty to ninety feet in height ; the trunk is straight
_ and sound, and at five feet from the ground measures eleven feet
in circumference. Its branches sweep down to the ground, and
then curve up again in the same manner as those at Nonsuch,—a
graceful habit common to almost all larches of considerable age.
- The spread of its branches is nearly three hundred feet in circum-
bam
ference. As a single tree, this is the handsomest larch the writer
has seen.
The Sitver Fir.—Longleat, as has been before stated, is the
place where the most notable examples may be found. Besides
individual trees scattered about in various parts of the grounds,
there is a “grove of them” so called; but apparently from their
standing in lines, they are part of what once was an avenue.
Several of them are fine, perfect trees; others much broken by the
wind, some of them snapped off short at twenty or thirty feet from
the ground. Before they were so broken and disfigured, they
must have presented a very grand appearance. Not many years
152 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
ago there were twelve in a nearly perfect state ;—the measurement
of one of them has been thus recorded :—“ height 140 feet, and
circumference 17 feet.” How far from the ground this measure-
ment was taken is not said; but as all of them have clean trunks,
free from swellings, whether it was at two or three feet, or four or
five feet is not very important. In another part of the park, the
writer saw a silver fir seemingly a younger tree, sound, perfect,
and. still growing, which measures a hundred and thirty feet in
height, fifteen feet in circumference at three feet from the ground,
and contains five hundred cubic feet of timber. In the gardens at
Tottenham, too, there is a noble silver fir. It is more thana
hundred feet high, and at four feet from the ground it is sixteen
feet in circumference. It is perfectly sound, and growing, and quite
straight up to the top. It is clear of branches to a height of about
twenty feet, above which it is uniformly feathered with branches,
the lower ones drooping to within a few feet of the ground: their
extreme spread may be from one hundred and eighty to two
hundred feet in circumference. At Roundway Park there is a fine
Silver Fir, one hundred and eight feet high, and twelve feet in
circumference at three feet from the ground ; and there is, as well,
a remarkably fine old Scorcu Frr. Others, have been mentioned
as fair specimens ; but this, at Roundway, is greatly superior in size,
as well as in age. It has been much injured by storms, having
nothing that deserves to be called a “head” remaining. It has a
short trunk which, as it stands on the edge of a sort of ridge or
bank, is two or three feet longer on one side than on the other.
It is about ten feet in length, and has three great main limbs
springing from the trunk at different heights, at about six, nine,
and twelve feet from the ground. Of these main limbs three are
divided into secondary, but still large limbs; while the other three
are single and smaller ones, though all six are very large. Measur-
ing the bole at one foot from the ground on the higher side, and
at three feet on the lower it is sixteen feet in circumference. The
limbs are mostly broken off short at twenty or thirty feet from the
ground, the upper part of the tree presenting the picture of a fine
old wreck. The tree itself is, however, perfectly sound, and is a
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 153
very fine and picturesque specimen of an old Scotch fir. The
Spruce Fir must be dismissed with few words, the writer having
with one or two exceptions, no knowledge of any remarkable
specimens inthis county. There are plenty of fine young trees to be
found go where you will; but large old ones are scarce. Longleat
can show some, as can Tottenham, Bowood, and, doubtless, other
domains. In the early stages of its existence it is, when the soil
suits it, and meddling man has left it to nature, a very handsome
tree indeed; but it becomes shabby with age. At Longleat some
may be found exceeding a hundred feet in height, and measuring
ten or twelve feet in circumference. Probably equally large trees
may be found in many other parts of the county.
' The Prnaster is worthy of more general attention than seems
to have been given toit. Why it is not more frequently planted
is a marvel, for it is a hardy, free-grower, and not at all particular
about soil or situation; thriving well in barren-looking sands, and
not flinching from any wind, even sea-breezes. Doubtless Spye
Park would suit them; and a few clumps on some of the elevated
spots would look remarkably well. Being so like the Sronz Pine
in form, they are striking points in a landscape; and being of such
rapid growth comparatively with the latter, they would become
something like landmarks while the other would be little more
than mere shrubs. There is a group of remarkably fine Pinasters
at Bowood, large, lofty, and very handsome trees.
. Of the other members of the Pine and Fir family, it is not
intended to speak at any length, as they are mostly of too recent
introduction for such a notice as this. But the Cepar of Lenanon
demands a place; and the Rep Cepar, though seldom attaining
any great size here, and being found scarcely any where except in
a few old gardens and pleasure grounds, is worthy mention on
account of the excellent quality of the wood—(the pencil cedar)—
which when the tree is of mature age is almost indestructible.
The Cepar of Lesanon however, is to be found in almost every
part of the kingdom, and in this county are many very fine speci-
mens, hardly any nobleman’s or gentleman’s grounds being without
some. Trees of ten, twelve, and fifteen feet in circumference, of
154 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
good height and great beauty are not at all uncommon. It is un-
necessary to enumerate the places where they are to be found.
Strange to say, the two which have been most frequently named
here—Longleat and Tottenham—are not at all famed for them.
But Bowoop and Witton may boast of splendid specimens. The
latter, so far as the writer’s knowledge goes, contains the best tree in
the county. It stands in the gardens and is called the “Earl’s Tree.”
And the writer believes he was quite justified in speaking of it
as the best cedar in the county. But he had no idea it is so grand
a tree, or that it is found in such company as itis. Thanks toa
friend, the reader shall have full particulars. One of the principal
trees of the group, for there are twenty-four of them upon the
lawn between the house and the water, measures as follows. The
circumference of the stem at one foot from the ground is twenty-
one feet, and at eight feet from the ground twenty-two feet. At
twelve feet high six enormous limbs, each measuring ten feet
in circumference, spring from the main stem. Immediately above
these, at an elevation of fifteen feet, the main stem measures
nineteen feet. At twenty feet from the ground, the main trunk
divides into seven distinct and enormous limbs, some of them
exceeding in size those already mentioned, the whole of which,
vigourous and healthy, reach a height of upwards of a hundred
feet. Each of these is equal in height to an ordinary tree, and the
effect is very grand. The tree just specified is not the largest, but
from its more favourable position produces the most striking effect.
If Loudon is correct that these cedars were raised between the
years 1710, and 1720, and taking into consideration that they
had been confined in pots some ten or twenty years, then indeed
is there no comparison between the growth of the cedar and
any common tree. When the writer was a boy, it was a com-
mon saying that an “Ash” would buy a horse before an “Oak”
would buy a saddle. Why; any one of these would buy a whole
team of good horses! The Evercreen Oak so well known in
some parts of England, is almost unknown in other districts not
far apart, or known only as a fine shrub. But where they grow
and thrive as they do at Wilton, they are worthy being ele-
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 155
vated into the first rank of ornamental if not of good timber
trees, for the writer has a strong impression that the wood is
inferior. Take size:—the circumference of the stem of the one
now under notice is seventeen feet, at one foot from the ground ;
and at four feet from the ground it is eighteen feet. At six
feet from the ground, the main trunk divides into a number of
large limbs, some of immense size, which diverge in all directions,
from a perpendicular to a horizontal, giving the head a form
resembling a half globe, and forming a complete canopy to
the ground on all sides, covering a space eighty feet in
diameter. Nothing can exceed the exquisite beauty of this tree,
the cheerful early foliage of which contrasts most agreably with
the glaucous hue of the surrounding cedars. In winter its
freshness is most pleasing, and in summer it affords a cool and
impenetrable shade from the sun’s rays. No trees were so broken
by the snow and wind, in this neighbourhood, during the fatal
storm when the “ London” went down, as the evergreen Oaks,
As an encouragement to plant this noble tree,—many hesitating
to do so on account of its supposed slow growth, and therefore of
the.improbability of its attaining any great size in their lifetime,—
it may be mentioned that there is a Cedar of Lebanon in the gar-
den at Roundway Park, which was planted by the late Mr. Estcourt
either in commemoration of his marriage, or of the birth of his
eldest son, the Right Hon. T. H. 8S. Sotheron Estcourt, late M.P.
for North Wilts. The latter event took place in 1801, therefore
the tree has not been planted above 65 or 66 years. It is nota
very lofty tree, for it branches out at a few feet from the ground ;
but it has a fine spreading head, and is probably fifty feet high or
more. The trunk just below the branches measures twelve feet in
circumference. Would any of our common trees have made a
greater growth? Unhesitatingly it may be said that they would
not. What a pity then that such a noble, historical, beautiful, and
picturesque tree should not be more generally planted! The pre-
' judice entertained by some that the wood is worthless, because it
is white and somewhat soft is quite unfounded, for it is not so:
indeed, from experience—a very limited amount of it certainly—
156 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
the writer is inclined to believe the very contrary to be the fact.
It is very fragrant, and far superior to any other wood for the
insides of chests of drawers, of wardrobes, or for any other like
purpose where its fine scent would be agreeable to the senses, and
according to common opinion, be a preservative against the ravages
of the moth, or rather of its relative the grub. One reason why
it is not more commonly planted may be its price, but that arises
from the limited demand for it, for with an increased demand
the price would soon be greatly decreased. Another and a more
potent reason, is its slowness of growth during its early years.
The Yew, so celebrated in olden times for affording the best
bows for the soldiery of the day; for the British yeomen, or yew-
men, as well as for those “merry men” of England, led by Robin
Hood and other gentlemen of similar tastes and propensities, ought
not to be passed over in silence; and as this tree somewhat resem-
bles the Pine family, it may as well be mentioned in this place.
Many counties boast of wonderful specimens of this tree. One, in
Braburne churchyard, Kent, was measured by Evelyn, who found
it to be fifty-eight feet eleven inches in circumference : its supposed
age being 3000 years. Some out-of-the-way corner of Wiltshire
may possess a patriarch of equal size and age. Who knows? But
the writer will confine himself to two which he has seen; mere
pigmies it is true, when compared with their Kentish brother; but
still very large trees. One of them stands near the Corsley en-
trance to Longleat Park, in a garden adjoining the high road. It
has little or no top, the branches having been unmercifully lopped
away, till the nearly bare trunk is almost all that remains. But
that trunk—which seems to be sound—is of very respectable di-
mensions, measuring at three feet from the ground, twenty-four
feet in circumference; and close to the ground some six or eight
feet more. The other, not quite so large, but a much handsomer
tree, having a fair sized and tolerably uniform head, is in the
churchyard at Edington, near Bratton. It is about six feet high
up to the springing out of the branches, with apparently a sound
trunk, which measures rather more than twenty-two feet in cir-
cumference, at four feet from the ground.
a:
a
y
}
|
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 157
* It may be objected, and with some reason, that the trees more
particularly mentioned above, form a very small part of the Forest
Trees of England, or of Wiltshire either. Granted. Many more
might be mentioned; but, as was stated at the outset, an imperfect
account only was promised, the writer being unable from want of
_knowledge, as well as of opportunities, to compile anything like
an exhaustive account. There are, however, some noble trees that
must be mentioned even though in a general way only. There is
the Sycamorg, an old and well-grown specimen of which may bear
comparison with many of the best of its fellows. Why it is not
more generally planted is difficult to say. It is not very nice
about soil or situation; grows rapidly; bears the keen winds
bravely ; is remarkably handsome, and the wood is equal in value
to that of many other trees of greater note; and besides all this,
it bears a plentiful crop of beautiful flowers. A few years ago, |
passing through Everleigh, the writer was struck with some
fine specimens growing in the garden of the Crown Inn, there. |
Observing a considerable extent of young plantation near, he had
the curiosity as he passed by, to look out for sycamores; but as he
failed to notice any by the road-side, he concluded none had been
planted ; and he wondered why. Now, when it is intended to form
a plantation, a thing which when on a large scale ought to grow
into a wood, or, indeed into a forest in all but the name, the first
thing is to look round and note what tree seems to have taken
most kindly to the soil and situation, and of that tree to make a
point of planting a good proportion. Not that the tree or trees
that seem to be the trees of the district should be exclusively planted.
By no means; but let them form the principal part, and then let
the planter fill up according to his fancy, including as many new
sorts as there is good reason to believe may thrive there. By adopt-
ing this plan he will, whatever the result may be, act as a beacon-
light, as well to encourage others to follow his example where he
has been successful, as to warn them to abstain where he has failed.
Then there is the Lm, a tree lovely to behold from its earliest
years to its full maturity. Like the sycamore it is decorated with
a profusion of extremely elegant blossoms, highly fragrant, and
158 The Forest Trees of Wilishire.
perfuming the air to a great distance. It is a long-lived tree and
attains a great size, sometimes more than twenty feet in circum-
ference. Of this size one, quite a historic tree, is, or recently was
growing at Brunswick, in the Square where the Cathedral stands.
It is said to have been planted by Henry, the Lion, in the year
1194, on his return from the Holy Land. When the writer saw
it a few years ago, it appeared to be perfectly sound. The lime is
everywhere to be met with, and is a favorite tree for avenues, for
which it is well suited. There is said to be one of great beauty
and nearly four miles long, at Cobham, in Surrey. The Tux
TREE which also bears a handsome cup-shaped blossom, and is re-
» markable for its leaves, which in shape, much resemble a man’s
saddle, may be mentioned with the above. It attains a considerable
size, and is frequently to be met with. There are very fine speci-
mens at Longleat and Bowood; large timber trees of fifty to sixty
feet in height, and from eight to ten feet, if not more, in cireum-
ference. The Poprar well deserves notice. It has got a bad
name, and has the misfortune to be somewhat despised, but not by
those who are well acquainted with it. Of all the sorts, perhaps
the ABELE, or Great White Poplar; and the Brack Iranian Popiar,
are the best. There are some remarkably fine specimens of the
first-named at Longleat, above a hundred feet in height, and from
ten to twelve, and up to fifteen feet in circumference at three or
four feet from the ground. The wood is considered by many to be
worthless; but it is not so. It is excellent for almost every purpose
where lightness and toughness are required, and it stands wet and
dry remarkably well. It grows more rapidly than any other tree,
having been known to grow ten or twelve feet in height in one
year from a cutting. In some parts of the kingdom it is the wood
most sought after by the carpenter for the sides of wagons and
carts, on account of its being so light and tough. It is the best
wood, too, for packing cases and large boxes for travelling. The
French are well aware of its value, almost all their wine-cases
being made of it. There is much truth in the old adage relative
to this tree :—
“‘ Though heart of oak be e’er so stout,
Keep me dry, and I’ll see him out.”
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 159
But even the keeping dry is not so necessary as the rhymester
supposed, for, as stated above, the poplar stands wet and dry very
well. Neither is the Wut1ow, little as is thought of it by many,
to be despised; for when well-grown it is very handsome, and its
wood useful for many purposes. It has also the advantage of being
a quick grower. The Beprorp Wi11ow is perhaps the best of the
family, and often attains a great size. There isa record of one at
Lichfield, which in 1810, being then probably about 60 or 70 years
old, measured twenty-one feet in circumference, with a spread of
branches of more than two hundred feet. The only other member of
the family that needs to be mentioned here, is the WEEPING WILLow.
Certainly it has no claim to be classed among forest trees, but its
beauty and graceful habit of growth make it worthy a place. Its
introduction into this country is said to have been quite accidental,
and took place probably about 1380 or 140 years ago. The story
runs thus:—a basket of Turkey figs was presented to the poet
Porz. He observed one of the twigs of which the basket was
composed to be alive, having put forth a bud. He planted it in
his garden at Twickenham, and from that one plant all the weep-
ing willows in the kingdom are said to have sprung. There is a
_ handsome, though rather one-sided specimen at Dunkirk, near
Devizes. It stands at a cottage gate on the right hand side going
down the hill. The Watnur and the Prane are worthy of more
than a mere passing notice, but more cannot be accorded to them
now. With regard to the “occidental” variety of the latter, it is
strange it should not be far more common than it is. No tree
‘
é
tart
would flourish more in the rich Wiltshire Vales than it.
Looking forward to the time when some person far better quali-
for the task shall take up the subject, and not only give a full and
perfect account of those trees which have been mentioned at some
length here, but also interesting particulars of those which have
been scarcely more than named, as well as of many which have
not even been named at all, the writer of these pages can confidently
assert that every facility will be offered, for their inspection, by all
those whose estates may afford good specimens. Depend on it
there is no lack of such trees in this county; and if the suggestion
160 The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
thrown out at the commencement of this paper, namely, that the
localities where they exist should be communicated to the secretaries
of the Wiltshire Archeological Society, ample materials would
be provided, and full justice be done to that subject which has been
so imperfectly treated here. To persons scientifically inclined, the
ARBORETUM at Bowood is full of interest; for not only are there
specimens of almost every known tree, but they are placed
geographically, the ground being laid out on the plan of a map,
and the specimens planted, as far as practicable, in the latitude
and longitude of their natural habitat. But it is not in the Arbo-
retum alone that specimens of newly introduced, scarce, and curious
trees are to be found there. They abound in every part of the
pleasure grounds, where perhaps, the largest collection of the finest
specimen plants of all the known varieties of the Cedar, Pine, and
Fir tribe, and of the Taxads in this county may be seen. The
Wetineronta GicANTEA is of too recent introduction for any
very large ones to be expected; but there are some very fine young
trees at Bowood. That the next generation will see this noble tree
a hundred feet high, probably much more, and with a trunk quite
commensurate in size with its height, there is no reason to doubt ;
the rapidity and vigour of its growth, and its hardiness, showing
that the soil and climate of Great Britain are perfectly suited to
it. Roundway Park, too, may boast of fine specimens of this and
of other trees of recent introduction ; and besides, though there
are no very old or gigantic trees of any kind (the old Scotch fir
excepted), there are in the park and park-like fields sloping down
‘towards the “Iron Pear Tree Farm,” many fine oaks. Thus the
head-quarters of the Archeological Society being at Devizes, those
interested in it, residing there or near by, have excellent oppor-
tunities, in Roundway and Bowood of gratifying their taste for
the study of trees of all kinds.
“The Wiltshire Weed.’’—It has just been brought under the
writer’s notice that the elm is, in some parts, popularly called
“The Wiltshire Weed,” and this notification was probably kindly
intended as a help to the indigenous side of the question ; but with
all thanks and gratitude, it is not very clear how it helps it at all.
:
4
:
‘
i]
i
i
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. 161
However, now on the eve of publication, it is too late to go into
the question, even if it were worth while. Should it be thought
necessary, some botanist will take it up and settle it ere long.
Where the counties of Wilts and Dorset meet, down at the South-
Eastern corner, there is by all accounts some charming scenery ;
wild to a degree, but beautifully wooded. Besides an avenue of
several rows of sycamores, there is a grove, or rather, open wood
of oaks, limes, and chesnuts. The Melbury property is said to be
noted for the size of its oaks. There is one known by the same
name as the first finger in the hand, rather vulgarised from “ Will
Wilkins,” into “Billy Wilkins.” It is thirty seven feet in cir-
cumference, and said to be as ugly an old monster as can be conceived..
Wandering about the Tottenham domain, it strikes one that
most of the great single beech trees that used so to strike the
stranger are gone. The writer remembers well having some chat
with a couple of woodmen, who were cutting a noble beech into
billet-wood for sale, and expressing his surprise that the wood
should not be devoted to a better purpose. To which the man
replied,—the tree would bring £15 as billet- wood, but not so much
for any other purpose. This closed the argument. The oaks ap-
pear to be surpassing the beech in size and vigour, for near the
‘King stands a beautiful, growing tree perfectly sound and healthy
looking, the trunk of which measures twenty-three feet in cir-
cumference.
Whether it be classed as a tree or only as a shrub, the
“Holly,” when it attains such dimensions as one now growing
in the forest, demands special notice. It is in the neighbourhood
of the “King Oak,” and measures seven feet, nine inches in cir-
cumference! Is it under the care and patronage of the ‘“ White
Maid of Avenel?” If so, who would not go at midnight and
invoke her, using Scott’s well-known words,—
‘¢ Thrice to the holly-bush ; thrice to the dell ;
Awake thee, oh awake, White Maid of Avenell.”
Having called attention particularly to the WHLLINGTONIA
GicanTEA among the new trees, long as this paper has grown,
162 F The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
further on the space of the Magazine and the patience of the
reader, by copying from the Illustrated News of the World, a few
particulars of this, the largest tree ever yet discovered. It says :—
“The ‘Bic Tree’ represented in our sketch, is 95 feet in cireum-
ference, and 300 feet in length. The ‘Turez Graces,’ or ‘ THREE
Sisters,’ also represented in the sketch, are united at the base, but
each has a separate trunk measuring in circumference some 92
feet. The ‘Mrner’s Casin’ has a circumference of 80 feet, while
its height is reckoned at 300 feet. The ‘ Pionzer’s Casi’ is of
equal dimensions. There are many other trees of similar magni-
tude, each of which has been named according to the fancy of the
emigrants. One tree with the enormous circumference of 110 feet,
and an elevation of 500 feet, has been called—because he is believed
to be the oldest tree known in the neighbourhood— Tur FaTHer
oF THE Forzst.’ We also furnish our readers with an engraving
termed ‘Tur HorsEpack Rung,’ representing the hollow trunk of
a tree, which affords space sufficient for a man on horseback to ride
up the heart of the tree—so we are by our correspondent informed
—a distance of 75 feet.”—It is scarcely necessary to state, that
these trees were growing in California. English readers who
seldom see a tree of a hundred, or much above a hundred feet
high, and very seldom indeed of above twenty-five or thirty feet
in circumference, may well be staggered on reading of these giants.
But accounts of them have been given by so many persons, and
among them by noblemen and gentlemen of the highest character,
who have taken California in their travels on purpose to ascertain
the truth of the reports they had heard, and have come away con-
firming them, and in some instances adding the measurement of
still larger ones, that it is impossible to doubt the truth of the
accounts quoted above. Fully believing; nevertheless one wants
the evidence of one’s own eyes to realise the fact. Look up at the
spire of Salisbury Cathedral, and then let fancy paint a tree of
that height with nearly another hundred feet added to it!
Reason almost forbids the belief; for reason asks how a column of
five hundred feet in height, and having a base of less than forty
feet diameter, could possibly withstand the force of the stormy
Set ett an ss
ss a.
ah ots
The Forest Trees of Wiltshire. P 163
winds of that stormy region? Yet, even in this case reason must
give way, for unless King Davin’s dictum that “all men are liars,”
is to be taken in its fullest sense, the general truth of the state-
ments concerning them cannot be doubted. Other parts of the
world furnish very large trees. Africa has the Baopas, the
greatest circumference of which is stated to be eighty feet, but
then its trunk is not above fifteen or twenty feet high, with an
enormous round head, so uniform that it is equal balanced on all
sides. Trees of immense size are also found in many other parts
of the world.—The Cypress in Central America:—The Pranz,
one of which at Bukukdére, on the European shore of the Bos-
phorus, measured a hundred and forty-one feet in circumference at
the base, in 1831.—The Pinus Doverasi has been found of the
height of two hundred and thirty feet, with a trunk fifty feet in
circumference at the base; and a Pinus LamBerriana, two hundred
and fifteen feet long, and fifty-seven feet in circumference at the
base :—both these on the banks of the Columbia river, in North
America. Then, coming nearer home, Sicily has its famed “‘ Castagno
de Cento Cavalli,—the Chestnut of a hundred horses,”’—being
large enough to contain that number: be that as it may, the trunk
is said to measure two hundred and four feet in circumference.
But this last is not, and from the description of it, never was a
lofty tree. It is the height of the “ Father of the Forest,” more
than double that of the “ Douglasii,” and not the size of the trunk
of the Wellingtonias that excite so much wonder and incredulity,
To add to that wonder, these trees are said to stand on high ground,
and in the open. Were they growing in the rich soil of some very
deep dell, protected all round, or on almost all sides from the blasts
of rude Boreas, the case would be very different. Nevertheless,
full belief in the general truth of the accounts given by so many
eye-witnesses, is firm and unshaken in the mind of the writer.
In conclusion, the writer begs to say a few words more on the sub-
ject generally. A more pleasing one to the lover of nature cannot
be; and not only pleasing but instructive and elevating as well.
Where can more rational pleasure be found than in a ramble in a
forest or in a park, or through the fields, roads and lanes of a well-
VOL. X.—NO. XXIX, L
164 , The Forest Trees of Wiltshire.
wooded district? Where can a right-minded man receive more
instruction than while being so occupied; or where can his heart
his feelings, his soul be so elevated, so overflowing with thankful-
ness, gratitude and love towards an all-wise Creator? Every
object around tends to purify the mind, and to raise the thoughts
from ‘Nature up to Nature’s God.” The moss, the wild flower,
the fern at his feet; the shrubs and underwood around; and the
majestic trees, some with wide umbrageous tops: some with tall,
straight, smooth trunks leading the eye to the Heaven above, to
which they so significantly point,—all speak in language too plain
not to be understood, of that OmniscIENCE and OMNIPOTENCE which
have placed him in what, but for an undutiful and ungrateful
disregard of his MaKsr’s commands, might be, and always have
been, a perfect Paradise here below. And more than that, which
opens to his mind’s eye that celestial Paradise, in comparison with
which, all, even the most beautiful in this earthly sphere, pales
and fades away into utter insignificance. Dull indeed, must be his
feelings, dead his soul, who can make Nature in her loveliest, as in
her grandest garb, his frequent and cherished companion, and not
join with Nature in that adoration which she so surely pays to his
and her Creator! Who is there who cannot, or rather, who can-
not Sut join his voice in prayer or praise, with those sounds which
ever greet his ears from insect and from bird; or from rustling
leaves and the winds sighing through the waving boughs? Thus
beautifully, in words, has one of our old poets clothed the idea :—
‘¢ Walk with thy fellow-creatures; note the hush
And whispers ’mongst them: there’s not e’en a spring
Or leafe but hath his morning-hymn ; each bush
And oak doth know ‘I Am,’ Canst thou not sing?”
f
165
Gleanings from the Wiltshire Domesday,
I
EvIDENCE AS TO THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CouNTY BEING THE SAME
Now AS AT THE TIME OF DoMEsDAY.
By the Rev. W. H. Jones, M.A., F.S.A.,
Viear of Bradford on Avon.
HERE are some few matters of interest on which the
Domesday Record for our county incidentally throws much
light, when examined minutely, and compared with those portions
of the same Record which relate to neighbouring counties. To
the elucidation of one of these subjects this paper is devoted,—
namely, the evidence that can be derived from these documents
‘as to the boundaries of Wiltshire being in all essential particulars
the same now as in the eleventh century.
We are possessed of two Records, each of which is designated
the Domesday for Wiltshire,—the one, the Exchequer Domesday,
in which we have the several manors named and classed under
their respective owners, but with no indication of the Hundred in
which they were situated,—the other, the Exon Domesday, in
which we have a list of the Hundreds and of the principal pro-
prietors of lands in them, together with a summary of the number
of hides held by them, but no specific mention of the manors
themselves. By a sort of exhaustive process,—by working, that
is, one Record against the other,—we arrive at certain conclusions,
and these are the more trustworthy from the indirect way in which
we reach them, inasmuch as we have in our process to submit them
to certain crucial tests of accuracy.
One conclusion to which such an investigation leads is certainly
this,—that nearly every one of the present border-parishes of the
county is included in its respective Hundred. It is well known,
that, as a general, we might almost say universal rule, the bound-
21
166 Gleanings from the Wiltshire Domesday.
aries of manors remain undisturbed from century to century. To
this day you may trace out the boundaries of many a Wiltshire
manor by means of the land-limits preserved to us in an Anglo-
Saxon charter of the ninth or tenth century. When therefore in
the Hundreds which are themselves on the borders of our county,
we find those manors included, the boundaries of which we know
to be co-terminous with its limits, we are justified in concluding
that the boundaries of the county itself are the same now as at the
timeof Domesday. The manors,—or, as for the most part we call
them now, the parishes which are alluded to are the following :—
Castle Eaton,—Long Newenton,—Sherston,—Bradford,—Horn-
ingsham,— Maiden Bradley, —Mere,—Zeals,—Tollard,—Damer-
ham,—Downton,— Land ford,— W interslow,—Biddesden,—Ludgar-
shall,—Tidworth,—Shalbourn,—and Ramsbury. In this list, it
will be observed, are included by far the greater number of what
are now the border-parishes of the county.
But whilst on these general grounds we have ample reason for
the conclusion, that our county boundaries now are in the main
identical with the limits at the time of Domesday, we are able, by
a comparison of the Domesday Record for adjoining counties with
that for Wiltshire, to shew that there is a correspondence even in
minute particulars. Without doubt, before the time of Domesday,
and perhaps even till the period of its compilation, the boundaries
of counties seem hardly to have been quite defined. There are
instances in which entries which belong to one county, either for
convenience or the juxta-position of the estates of some particular
land-owner, or for some other reason ‘not explained, have been
confessedly placed in another. In some cases, we have examples
of what looks like a capricious and arbitrary shifting from one
county to another. Thus in the Domesday for Huntingdonshire,
at fol. 207 b., of a small holding at a place called Catssor it is said,
—‘‘jacet in Bedefordscire sed dat geldum in Huntedunscire,” é.e.
“it lies in Bedfordshire but pays geld (or ¢ax) in Huntingdonshire.”
So too in the Domesday for Herefordshire, at fo/. 181, of certain
smaller manors, registered under the name of Nrwarg, we are told,
—‘“Rogerus de Pirtes divertit illas ad Glowecestre.” A third
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 167
example will have especial interest for us:—under WzELEWE (Wel-
low) in the Domesday for Hampshire, at fo/. 50, we have a some-
what extraordinary proceeding attributed to Waleran the hunts-
man, no less in short than the transferring a virgate and a half
of land from Hants to Wilts. The words of the Record are,—
“De isto manerio (Welewe) abstulit Walerannus unam virga-
tam et dimidium, et misi¢ foras comitatus et misit in Wiltescire,”
that is literally, “turned it out of the county of Hants, and sent it
into Wilts.” Whether Waleran made the change by his own
authority, or under superior direction, does not appear. Some
expressions in the Exon Domesday! make it possible that part of
Wellow may have been assigned to Wiltshire, in exchange for
some lands at Downton which had been thrown into the forest.
The transaction, however, still stands good to this day, for though
by far the greater part of the parish is in Hants, the tything of
West Wellow is reckoned as part of Wiltshire.
Examples of this correspondence in minute particulars, evidenced
by a close comparison of the Domesday Record for adjoining
counties, are tolerably numerous; the following are a few of them.
On the south-eastern extremity of our county is BramsHaw, a
parish situated partly in Wiltshire and partly in Hampshire. The
church is said to be in both counties, the nave in the former, and
the chancel in the latter. Under the name of BramzssaGE, an
evident compound of the Anglo-Saxon ‘bremele-scaga,’ which
means simply ‘ bramble-wood,’ it is only mentioned in the Wilts
Domesday, two small holdings amounting in the whole to little
more than half a hide, or perhaps some 100 acres, being entered as
possessed by Edmund and Ulnod as King’s Thanes.? For the rest
of the present parish, including the two tythings of Brook and
Fritham, we must look to the Domesday for Hants, where they
seem clearly to be accounted for amongst a number of entries under
the small Hundred of Truham, comprising some half dozen parcels
of land in the New Forest, and represented as having been held by
various possessors as King’s Thanes.®
' Domesday for Wiltshire, edited by the Rey. W. H. Jones, p. 190.
*Domesday for Wiltshire, fol, 74a, 740. * Domesday for Hampshire, fol. 516,
168 Gleanings from the Wiltshire Domesday.
At no great distance from Bramshaw is the parish of Wxst
Dean, which like it is on the borders of the county, and has a
tything called Easr Duzan situated in Hampshire. We have the
larger portion of the parish registered in the Wiltshire Domesday
under the name Duens,! as belonging to Waleran the huntsman.
The other portion is accounted for in the Hampshire Domesday by
no less than three entries, all of small extent under the name DENE,?
two of which were held by the same proprietor Waleran. This
lucky forester, who, though seemingly an Englishman, appears to
have escaped the general confiscation, was possessed also at the
time of the Domesday Survey of the neighbouring estate of
GremesTEDE (East Grimstead). It is an interesting fact that the
connexion between these two manors has been continued up to the
present time, East Grimstead being still considered as a chapelry
of the parish of West Dean.
Travelling northward along the eastern boundary of Wilts, we
come to CHorpERTonN; here we have West Cholderton, a separate
parish in Wiltshire, accounted for in the Record under no less than
four entries,? each registering lands of small extent, three of the
holdings belonging to Ernulf de Hesding. On the other hand,
East Cholderton, which is a tything of Amport in Hants, is clearly
to be identified with the Cuzrewartonre‘’ of Domesday. It has
been suggested that this word may be a corrupt form of what was
afterwards softened into Cholderton. This seems very improbable ;
it is far more likely that in Quar-leigh, which is close by this place,
we have a clue to the original form of the former syllable of the
word, which the Norman scribe spelt Cherewar-tone, and that the
name East Cholderton has been subsequently adopted from the
neighbouring manor on the Wiltshire border.
An example even yet more conclusive is to be seen in TipwortH.
Under the name TopeworbeE® we have in the Wiltshire Domesday,
three entries, all of which refer to North Tidworth which is in our
county. One of these three manors was held by Croc, the hunts-
1 Fol, ‘2a. 2 Fol. 48a, 480, (bis).
3 Celdretone, fol. 716., Celdrintone, 70a. * Hants Domesday, fol. 450.
5 Fol, 66a., 69a., 740,
@
oe
mt.
i
og
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 169
man, (a name then as common as Crook is now), and the neigh-
bouring estate of Bepespenz! (Biddesden) was held by Robert
Fitz-Girold. Crossing now to the Hampshire side of the border,
we find in Domesday three entries under the names of TEDORDE
and Txprorpe,? which together constitute the present parish of
South Tidworth, the whole of which is in Hants, and which were
held in the eleventh century by Croc the huntsman, and Robert
Fitz-Girold. That lands lying in Tidworth were in two counties
has lately been impressed upon us by the litigation, caused by the
wording of the will of the late proprietor of the Tidworth estate.
Lands so designated were in both Hants and Wilts at the time of
Domesday,—they continue to be so to this day.
There are three entries in the Wilts Domesday under the name
Sranincxs.2 Two of them are clearly to be identified as small
holdings at Stanlinch (now called Trafalgar.) We may fairly con-
elude that the third entry refers also to land in the same locality,
from the fact that its owner Alwi, son of Turber (or a8 we should
say Alwi Fitz-Turber) held also small manors in the imme-
diate vicinity, on the Hampshire side of the border,* namely at
_ Cervirorp (Chardford), and Rocuzsorne (Rockbourn).
_ Going now to the north-eastern border of our county, there is,
in the Wilts Domesday a small estate mentioned under the name
Cotzsette.> It was held under Drogo Fitz-Ponz by three subor-
dinate tenants, Roger de Laci, Turstin Fitz-Rolf, and William
Leuric. For a long time I was puzzled to identify this small
_ manor, which was assessed at only one hide, with any place in
Wiltshire. The only place at all like it was CoLzsHiLL, the whole
of which I believed to be in Berkshire. An examination of the
Berkshire Domesday (/o/. 63) shewed, under the same name CoLe-.
SELLE, proof that the Wiltshire manor must have been a portion of
the same estate, since a principal owner was Turstin Fitz-Rolf,
whilst another portion had been given by Walter de Lacy (of the
1 Fol. 726.
2 Hants Domesday, fol. 460., 49a. 8 Fol. 72, 736.
‘Hants Domesday, fol. 50, They are entered as in the Hundred of Fording-
bridge. 5 Fol, 726,
170 Gleanings from the Wiltshire Domesday.
same family most probably as one of the Wiltshire tenants already
mentioned) to the church of St. Mary, Winchester, when his
daughter became a nun in the convent there established. Subse-
quent enquiry resulted in my ascertaining as a fact, that a small por-
tion of the estate of Coleshill (which is now the property of Lord
Radnor), containing rather more than 200 acres, is on the western
side of the stream which bounds the counties, and therefore now,
as at the time of Domesday, in Wiltshire.
Similar examples may be produced from the western side of our
county. Thus, there was at the time of Domesday an estate in
Wiltshire called Berretrcz,! which was in the Hundred of Brad-
ford. The name is now lost, and with it also all trace of the exact
locality of the manor. This is strange, since there was a church
there, and the names of the Incumbents from the beginning to
the close of the fourteenth century are still preserved to us. It
was probably a portion of what is now included in Monkton
Farleigh parish, the Prior of that Religious House being the
patron, and so upon the borders of the county. It was held at the
time of Domesday by Azor, as a King’s Thane. Now in the
Somersetshire Domesday we find a tenant of this same name (most
probably the same person,) recorded as holding the estate of HERLE1,?
(no doubt the present WaRLEIGH,) a manor immediately adjoining
it, on the Somersetshire side of the border.
But the interest of this last example does not end here. Another
estate, at but a short distance from Warleigh, is the Domesday
manor of PonsBeriz* (Pomeroy), which was held by Osmund
Latimar. The meaning of this last term is interpreter, originally
Latin-arius i.e. Latin-er, one whose skill in Latin was presumed to
enable him to understand other languages. Singularly enough
the Domesday owner of Hertz (Warleigh) was Hugolin the
interpreter. Is it possible that these lands on the borders were
1 Fol, 736.
2 Domesday for Somerset, fol. 99. Hxrntrr is named in immediate connexion
with Hstene (Bath-Zaston) and CLAFTERTONE (Claverton), which are adjoining
parishes, and therefore is no doubt the present Warleigh,
3 Fol, 736,
4
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 171
originally, held like others in different parts of the county, by the
tenure of being /atiner, i.e. interpreter, between the different races
that once dwelt there side by side? Dr. Guest, in a learned paper
contributed to the Journal of the Archeological Institute, con-
jectured that the valley of the Avon was one of the boundaries
between the Welsh and the English in the sixth century. May
not these tenures, if our conjecture be true, (and certainly it is not
unreasonable) confirm his opinion? In the immediate neighbour-
bourhood we certainly have names still remaining which indicate
the same state of things, in Wal-cot and English-comb, the posses-
sions respectively of the Welsh and the English.
Once more, in the Wilts Domesday we have Urso holding an
estate at Drveret,! under Ernulf de Hesding. This manor was a
portion of the present parish of Hill Deverel, on the western bor-
ders of the county. The same tenant is recorded in the Domesday
for Dorset as holding an estate at MeLzsBerie* (Melbury), under
the same chief lord Ernulf de Hesding,—and this was just on the
Dorsetshire side of the borders.
It is right to add, that in one or two cases we are not able so
accurately to identify the holdings that seem to have been on the
limits of the several counties. Thus, in the Wilts Domesday, we
have a small manor at GrtincEeHam,? which, by comparing the
entry with others in the Dorset Domesday, we are sure refers to
Gillingham. No portions of the present parish, or of any of its
chapelries, appear to be in Wiltshire. In this case either the name
has ceased to be applied to any land on the eastern side of the
border, or, as is not improbable, there has been an exchange of
lands, the more so as at one time the property on either side be-
longed to the Prince of Wales, as Duke of Cornwall. The con-
clusion nevertheless to which we may fairly come is this, that in
all essential particulars the boundaries of the county of Wilts
remain just as they were at the time of Domesday. There may
have been a few mutual interchanges of land on either side of the
border,—but that is all.
It may not be out of place to add, that a collateral proof of the
1 Fol, 10a, * Fol, 84a, 3 Fol, 730,
172 Gleanings from the Wiltshire Domesday.
same fact, is supplied by the names of many of the places that are
situated on the borders of the county. A large proportion of them
are certainly old names and clearly of Anglo-Saxon origin ;—as
such they give unmistakeable evidence as to the boundary-line of
the county being much the same now as in the eleventh century.
Thus, at the north-west corner we have SuErston, originally seér-
stdn, i.e. the Shire-stone, or boundary. In the same vicinity, we
have Rop-mar Ton, of which the Acman Street (or Roman road
from Bath to Cirencester) forms the boundary, as also of the
counties of Wilts and Gloucester,—and Top-mar-ton, a border-
parish on the Gloucestershire side. Whatever the first syllable of
these names may mean, we can have no doubt as to the meaning
of the termination mar-ton. It designates a village on the boundary,
the Anglo-Saxon mer, meaning a boundary. Again, at the point
where our county projects into Somerset, between Limpley Stoke
and Freshford, you have the name Suas-Ton, evidently a corruption
of Shire-stone. At another point, where Westwood (Wilts) is
divided from Freshford, (Somerset) you have Srapiz Hii, so called
no doubt from the old séapol, a pillar either of wood or stone which
so frequently marked points of boundary in ancient times. And then,
at the extreme western point of Wilts, at the boundary of two
counties and four parishes, you meet with Mip-Forp, which, it is
presumed, means the ‘dividing ford.’ A few miles further to the
south, near Maiden Bradley, there is SHer-RELL farm, so called
most probably because close by flows the Shire-rili, the stream or
rivulet which at that point separates Wilts from Somerset. Next
we have Merz, a large parish which itself for some miles forms the
south-west boundary of Wilts, and the name of which is simply
the Anglo-Saxon me@r (boundary) of which we have already spoken.
Then along the southern border we have Mar-ton (or Mar-TEN as
it is sometimes spelt) which whether it means mer-tin (a village
on the boundary) or mer-porn (a thorn planted to mark the bound-
ary), indicates the same fact that it was on the borders. Next we
come to STAPLE-ToN, a word which our previous remarks will have
explained. At the south-west corner of Damerham you have
CRENDEL, a term which recalls to Anglo-Saxon students the erun-
|
:
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 173
del, s0 frequent in ancient charters as a boundary-point, and which
would seem to have been a natural pend or well by the road-side.
Then close by Breamore Down we have a portion of the GRrrs-
DYKE, the boundary for half a mile of the parish of Downton, and also
of the county of Wilts, and which is mentioned as such boundary of
_ Downton in Anglo-Saxon charters. Again on the south-east bor-
der you have the parish of Suer-F1ELD which is simply Shire-field,
and then, alittle further north, Mar-ton (i.e. boundary village), at the
south-east corner of the large parish of Bedwin. And still further
north, and at no great distance from the point whence we started,
you have Mar-sron, which is only the modern form of mer-stdn
(mere-stone), i.e. a boundary stone, a term well known to all
Wiltshiremen.
It is conceived that from such facts, deduced as they are from a
minute examination of the Domesday Record for Wiltshire and
neighbouring counties, and corroborated by the old names of places
along the border-line of our own county, we are fully justified in
concluding that the boundaries are in the main the same as in the
eleventh century. It says much for the complete and final settle-
ment of the country that was effected by the Conquest, when we
find our borders still undisturbed after a lapse of eight hundred
“years; and much also for the scrupulous accuracy of the great
Domesday Record, rightly valued by us as the oldest survey of a
kingdom now existing in the world.
174
Che Anke of Wellington and Lord Alelson.
To the Editors of the Archeological Magazine.
Dear Srrs, ;
S the hamlet of Kennett in my parish is the scene of the
following very characteristic anecdote of the late Duke of
Wellington, which has been related to me by Mr. Butler of Kennett,
it may perhaps find an appropriate place in your Magazine.
In the winter of 1836 the Duke left London for Badminton,
whither he had been invited on a visit on the occasion of the mar-
riage of Lady Georgiana, daughter of the late Duke of Beaufort.
Owing to a very heavy fall of snow it was with difficulty that he
reached the Castle Inn, (now the College) at Marlborough; there
he was compelled to remain, to the best of Mr. Butler’s recollection,
for about forty hours, or at all events for an interval of time suffi-
cient to enable the late George Sheppard, of Marlborough to make for
him a pair of very strong shoes, with which he had come unprovided.
It was then, and before the road had been traversed by any one,
that Mr. Butler was informed to his great astonishment that there
was a“ Bounder’’—1.¢.a private carriage in the technical phraseology
of post-boys—with six horses making its way towards Kennett
over the down and fields to the north of the road from Marlborough
as it passes over Overton Hill. Mr. Butler went out and saw the
carriage which was being preceded by the late John Godwin, then
head hostler of the Castle Inn, on horseback who was acting as
pioneer of the route. Mr. Butler observing that Godwin was
leading the carriage towards a hollow in the field where the snow
was lying at a great depth, signalled to him, and thus conducted
them to his own house in Kennett. There the carraige was com-
pelled to remain for about an hour whilst the late Mr. Merrifield
(the then Surveyor), with a large party of labourers was clearing
out the road between Kennett and Beckhampton. It is a further
The Duke of Wellington and Lord Nelson. 175
characteristic of that hardy constitutional energy which had led
the Duke to persist in fulfilling an engagement through all diffi-
culties and at all hazards, that when Mr. Butler invited him to
alight and warm himself he declined the invitation with thanks,
observing that he was very well as he was; though at the same
time another gentleman, who was travelling in the carriage with
him, very gladly accepted the invitation.
Mr. Butler further informed me that there was no traffic on the
road for at least twenty-four hours after the Duke had thus made
his way through.
a
GHE following incident in the life of the first Lord Nelson,
—C GIB Ah which has never, I believe, appeared in print, has not the same
local claim toa place in your Magazine; and yet as his sister, Mrs.
Bolton, was connected by property and residence with Wilts, and
further as our county contains the family estate and residence
which his gallantry won as a reward from his country, the story
_ is not altogether inappropriate in your pages.
_ In the summer of 1856 I was staying at Felixstow on the
_ Suffolk coast, when there was living at Ipswich a very aged man,
_ Abraham Cook, who was then a pensioner of H. M. Customs in
.
4
3
i
:
r
_ which he had served for thirty years, and who in early life had been
_ yalet to the father of Lord Nelson at the Rectory of Burnham-
i thorpe: he related the following circumstance. The father of Lord
Nelson had been in the habit of spending his winters at Bath in
4 the latter part of his life; and it was there that after Lord Nelson
had taken leave of his father before setting out for Copenhagen,
z he turned round to this Abraham Cook, and slipping a five pound
‘note into his hand said, “Cook, mind you take good care of my
father whilst I am away.”
Now your readers may remember that one of the first, if not the
first of Lord Nelson’s acts of daring as exhibited in a painting in
the hall of Greenwich Hospital, portrays him as a young Midshipman
in pursuit of a bear on the ice of the north sea, and that it is
; recorded of him that when he was remonstrated with on the mad-
ness of his act, he accounted for it by saying, “oh, I thought his
176 Fragments of the Parochial History of Avebury.
skin would make such a nice present for my father.” And the
incident which I have above recorded is most interesting, as
betraying the same spirit of filial piety surviving to the very close
of his father’s life.
I am,
Avebury Vicarage, Yours truly,
Feb, 23rd, 1866. Bryan Kine.
Fragments of the Parochial History of Avebury.
By the Rev. Bryan Kine, Vicar.
Tue CHurRcH.
feevHE present piers and arches, dividing the nave from the
Sis aisles, were substituted for Norman work (the remains of
which in some very delicate capitals and shafts still exist), in the
year 1811; the present work was executed by a Mr. Button,
builder of Calne, and was probably copied by him from some of
Inigo Jones’ “improvements” in Calne Church. But there was
a peculiarity in the structure then removed which I have never
seen in any other church; this will be better understood from the
following sketch than from any mere description of it. (See plate.)
The continuous lines in the above sketch represent the existing
remains, whilst the dotted lines represent a restoration of the
original work as described to me by Mr. Chivers, our aged parish
clerk, who has always taken a very intelligent interest in the
church, and whose memory is most accurate. It will be seen from
this restoration, that the aisles were shut out from the nave by
seven feet six inches of solid stone-work between the two arches,
whicn served as the only communication; and it was, doubtless,
with a view of partially remedying the inconvenience hence arising,
that large hagioscopes were formed from the east end of each aisle
into the chancel; that of the north aisle being of unusual size, and _
forming in fact a passage similar to the one in the north aisle of
Hilmarton Church. These openings between the aisles and the
chancel answered their purpose so long as the chief religious interests
—
ie ae
bsksls
=
vt
hf ie
i “i ( : r bat
Prt OO it
a FG in. es SIF Oi aS ee Oe, ee
a
il
\
t
cat
. -~“
'
NORMAN ARCHES BETWEEN THE NAVE AND AISLE OF AVEBURY CHURCH, WILTS:
Hl AS THEY EXISTED PREVIOUSLY TO 131. .
.)
Se Sl ~ 2 pi ae coe Mae oar
and that it was probably furnished with a rude’
country churches of Norway; and that about the
church was enlarged by the addition of two lean-
_ the two Norman openings which I have described ;
By the Rev. Bryan King. 177
_ of the congregation were centred in the service of the altar. But
it is obvious that the same provision could no longer be regarded
as satisfactory when those interests had been transferred to the
ministrations of the pulpit; and so it was that in 1811 four of the
families, whose pews were situated in the aisles, combined to effect a
remedy for their comparative isolation from the nave, by having the
present wide arches substituted for the narrow Norman ones exhibited
above.
To return however to the original formation of the aisles.
It is evident then that these Norman arches and piers (which
though of somewhat different character were co-eval, or nearly so,
with the present Norman south door-way), were of comparatively
late insertion, as the contrast between them and the original
masonry is very striking—the original wall appears to consist of
sarsen stones and chalk very rudely and irregularly put together,
and is probably the remains of the original Saxon Church which,
as we know, existed here before the Norman Conquest; whereas
the Norman work consists of freestone worked with great nicety ;
and Mr. Chivers assures me that the central mass of wall which
_ was removed in 1811 for the present piers, presented precisely the
_ same comparative character. I presume from this, that the church
consisted originally merely of a nave with small chancel or apse,
wooden font, such as I have seen in many of the
date of the present Early Norman Font, the
to aisles connected with them on either side by
though whether any part of the present clerestory Y°°™" 7°" N°™*Y-
be of that early date, and whether it was on that account judged
necessary to leave such substantial supports between the arches, I
am not sufficiently skilled in ecclesiology to venture an opinion.
1Jt would appear probable, from the 81st Canon of 1603, prescribing a Font
of stone in every Church, that some wooden Fonts had survived in England
until that date.
178
Chalk Heaps as Guides to Aoutes ober Salis
bury Alain.
IN passing over the vast downs of Salisbury Plain from
=<§\%) Lavington to Chittern, the traveller may notice a long line
of heaps of chalk, placed at regular intervals and reaching the
whole of the distance between these places. On enquiry as to the
origin of this line, I was much entertained with the following
story :—Some years ago a gentleman residing at Chittern paid his
addresses to a very fascinating young lady at Lavington, whose
attractions were frequently the cause of his having to cross the
downs at a very late hour. On one of these occasions being un-
usually late, he found that though “ the course of true love”’ was
in his case tolerably smooth, it was by no means straight; for after
wandering about during the whole of a most miserable night, he
found himself in the morning, only a mile or two from the place
whence he had set out on the previous evening. To prevent the
recurrence of a similar misfortune—he had a quantity of chalk
placed at such distances, as that even in the darkest night it would
be easy to trace his way across this grassy Hellespont in safety.
The heaps are now somewhat overgrown with moss and grass, but
for years to come the traveller will have reason to thank Mr.
or rather the attractions of his lady, for a most useful clue to the
road from Lavington to Chittern.
WC.
Aoman Coins found at Gastertow.
BF coin years ago an urn of rude pottery containing Roman
coins, was dug up at Easterton, near Devizes. Many of ~
them have been dispersed in private collections, but some have
lately been placed at our disposal for examination. Of these the
Rev. D. M. Clerk has kindly furnished the following particulars.
OP ttn
SS “
, Coins found at Easterton. 179
They belong to three Emperors :—
I. Fravivs Jutius Consrantinus, the son of Constantine the
Great, restorer of the empire of the West under his own immediate
sway, and who reigned from the time of the division of the empire
in 337, to 361 A.D. There are three types, all bearing the inscription
FEL(IX) TEMP(ORUM) REPARATIO; but having different devices on
the obverse of the coins, viz. :—
(A.) Emperor leading a figure from a bower or hut.
(B.) Emperor standing on the prow of a vessel which is steered
by a Victory (winged), the Emperor carries in the right hand a
globe with eagle on it; in his left the LaBaRruM, or standard, with
Christian monogram, PX.
(C.) Emperor standing and spearing a falling horse and rider.
(? Eques.)
II. Fuavrus Juttus Constrans, second son of Constantine the
Great, reigned from the division of the empire 337, to 3850 A.D.,
over the provinces of Western Illyricum, Italy, and Africa, having
been appointed Governor by his father. He was murdered by the
cavalry of the usurper Magnentius at Illiberis (in the Pyrenees),
A.D. 350, His coins in this find, are,
(A.) DN: CONSTANS P.F. AUG. (head of Emperor). Rev., Emperor
leading a figure from a bower or hut. FEL(IxX) TEMP(ORUM) REPARATIO.
___(B.) py: consrans. P.F. AUG. (head of Emperor.) Rev., Emperor on
_ the prow of a vessel which is steered by a Victory. FEL(IX) TEMP
(oRUM) FELICITAS.
(C.) Four smaller coins, probably of same date, reverse of three
Phenix.
; III. Maenentivs (Fravivs Poprtivs) belonged to a German
family sent across the Rhine and established in Gaul about the
end of the third century; taken captive by Constantius Clorus, or
Constantine the great, and entrusted with the command of the
Irvian and Herculean battalions; a rebel against Constans 350
A.D., he was owned as Emperor by Gaul and the West, except
Illyria; after the battle of Mursa, and the loss of Italy, Sicily,
Africa, Spain, &c., he killed himself August, A.D. 353. His
coins in this find are of two kinds.
VoL. X.—NO. XXIX. M
180 The Flora of Wiltshire.
(A.) DN MAGNENTIUS. P.F. AUG. (head of Emperor dare.) Rev.,
Emperor on horse-back spearing an enemy, with inscription GLORIA
ROMANORUM.
(B.) DN: MAGNENTIUs P.F. AUG. (bare head of Emperor?) Reyv.,
FELICITAS REIPUBLICE. Emperor standing with globe and eagle in
right hand, labarum in left, with the Christian monogram.
Probably all the coins were struck in the lifetime of Constantine,
and not much later than A.D. 337, as they bear (for the most part)
the same types on the reverses.
Che Flora of Wiltshire,
COMPRISING THE
Klovering Blants and Ferns indigenous to the County;
By Tuomas Brucres Fiower, M.R.C.S., F.LS., &e., &e.
No. X.
ORDER. COMPOSITA. (JUSS.)
Plants having flowers composed of many florets, with united
anthers contained in one common receptacle, and surrounded by a
calyx-like involucrum.
The Dandelion, Daisy, and Thistle, are types of three very
marked sections, the Corymbiferze Cynarocephalex, and Cichoraceze
of Jussieu; but in the Linnzan orders these are of necessity much
confounded.!
Sus-Orper I. CoryMBirer2.
Flowers of the disk tubular and perfect; marginal flowers often
ligulate, and female or neuter. Style not swollen below its
branches.
Evpatorium, (Linn.) Hemp-aGRrmMony.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Named from Eupator, the surname of Mithridates, king of Pontus,
who is said to have brought this plant into use.
1. E. cannabinum, (Linn.) common Hemp-agrimony. Cannabis
1 On the structure of this Order, see ‘‘Wilts Archeological Magazine,” vol. ix,,
p. 162,
lt ek Sta
—
At cre Rn Bo
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 181
is Latin for hemp—Pliny. The leaves of this plant somewhat
resemble the hemp. Engl. Bot. t. 428.
Locality. On the banks of the Avon, wet ditches, and in watery
places. P. Fi. August, September. Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. Frequent
in all the Districts. Flowers in crowded, pale purplish, convex,
corymbose tufts, terminating the stem and upper branches.
“
PerasiTes, (Gaert.) Burrer-Bur.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. From petasos, a broad covering for the head; in allusion
to the size of the leaf; the plant having leaves somewhat resem-
bling those of the Burdock, but far exceeding them as well as the
leaves of every other British plant.
1. P. vulgaris, (Desf.) common Butter-bur. Tussilago Petasites
Sm. Lngl. Bot. t. 431 and 480. Reich. Icones, xvi. 901.
Locality. In swampy meadows and copses, and on the banks of
the Avon and wet ditches. P. Fi. March, April. Area, 1.2.3.4.5.
Distributed throughout Wilts. Rhizome creeping extensively and
thus multiplying the plant. Leaves very large, being when full
grown nearly a yard in diameter. Sowers (appearing before the
leaves) of a pale flesh colour, in a dense egg-shaped or oblong
panicle constituting a true ¢hyrsus. The early blossoming of this
rank weed induces the Swedish farmers to plant it near their bee-
hives. Thus we see in our gardens the bees assembled on its
affinities, P. alba and fragrans, at a season when scarcely any other
flowers are expanded.
Tusstzaco, (Linn.) Cotr’s-Foor.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. From tussis, a cough; the properties of the Colt’s-foot
are well known as tussilaginous, or cough dispelling.
1. T. Farfara, (Linn.) common Colt’s-foot. Farfarum or farfarus
is a word used by Latin authors to signify a kind of herb like
Colt’s-foot. Engl. Bot. t. 429. Reich. Icones, xvi. 904.
Locality. Fields and banks, on clay and moist chalk. P. Fi.
March, April. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4.5. In all the Districts much too
frequent. Root extensively creeping, very difficult of extirpation.
M 2
182 The Flora of Wiltshire.
Flowers appearing before the leaves, erect in blossom and seed,
drooping before and after flowering; bright yellow, solitary, ter-
minal. The smoking of this herb as a remedy for obstinate
coughs, was recommended by Pliny.
Ericeron (Linn.) FLEa-BAne.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii. >
Name. A word used by Pliny, of Greek origin; from er, the
spring, and geron, an old man; so called in allusion to the plant
being matured early in the year. The Greek Erigeron was probably
Senecio vulgaris, which has ripe seeds, very early accompanied with
hoary down.
1. E. acris, (Linn.) acrid or blue Flea-bane. Engi. Bot. t. 1158.
Reich. Icones, xvi. 917.
Locality. In dry, chalky, or gravelly pastures, banks and walls.
B. Fl. July, August. Area, 1. * 3. 4. 5. :
South Division.
1. South-east District, “In some parts of Clarendon Wood; also
on the downs between the turnpike road and Winterslow,” Dr.
Maton. “Nat. Hist. Wilts.” ‘Near Salisbury,” Mr. James
Hussey.
3. South-west District, On the downs in the neighbourhood of
Warminster.
North Division.
4. North-west District, “‘ About quarried ground, Corsham,” Dr.
Alexander Prior. ‘“ Wats. Bot. Guide.” Chippenham, and walls
at Wans House. In dry hilly places about Kingsdown and Conk-
well quarries.
5. North-east District, “Near Great Bedwyn,” Mr. William
Bartlett. Not generally distributed throughout Wilts. Flowers
upright, never expanding like most other of the order of Com-
posite. Forets of the disk yellow ; those of the ray strap-shaped,
very narrow, of a purplish colour, nearly upright. in
Be.uts, (Linn.) Datsy.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. A word used by Pliny; from bedlus, cnt
a ae a
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 183
be) B. perennis, (Linn.) perennial, or common Daisy. The word
Daisy is a compound of days, and eye, Days-eye, from its opening
and closing its flower with the day light. Engi. Bot. t. 424.
Locality. Banks and pastures. P. FV. March, October. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In meadows, pastures, and on grassy slopes, the
“wee modest crimson tippet flower,” made classical by the genius
of Burns, and the early associations of us all, greets the eye; nor
is it unwelcome or obtrusive anywhere but on the smooth shaven
lawn or trim grass-plat, which, in spite of the conventional dis-
approbation its usurpation receives, we cannot but think rather
adorned than defaced by its presence. And who is there that in
childhood’s hour, the brief but joyous interval betwixt helpless
infancy and sportive youth, hath not joined the prattling rosy
throng,
‘¢To gather Kingcups in the yellow mead,
And prink their hair with Daisies?”
A proliferous variety of the capitulum of this plant (Bellis perennis)
has recently been observed by Mr. James Hussey, growing by a
road-side about three miles from Salisbury. It is uncommon ina
wild state.
Sotmaco, (Liny.) Gorpen Ron.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. From Solido (Lat.) to close a wound, in allusion to its
_ supposed properties as a vulnerary; hence it is sometimes called
Wound-wort.
1. 8. virgaurea, CLinn.) common Golden Rod. Virgaurea is
compounded of virga, signifying a rod, and aureus, golden; in
reference to its long wand-like raceme of golden flowers. Engi.
Bot. t. 301. Reich. Icones, xvi. 911.
Locality. In woods, copses, and hilly places. P. Fl. July,
August. Area, 1.* 3.4.5. Not general in Wilts.
South Division.
1. South-east District, ‘Not uncommon in woody lanes, about
_ Alderbury and Downton,” Dr. Maton. “Nat. Hist. Wilts.”
_ “Landford,” Rev. EZ. Simms. “Neighbourhood of Salisbury,”
Mr. James Hussey.
184 The Flora of Wiltshire.
8. South-west District, Woods at Longleat. “Berkeley Wood
near Corsley,” Miss Griffith. .
North Division.
4. North-west District, “Chippenham,” Dr. Alexander Prior.
‘* Slaughterford,” Mr. C. EF. Broome.
5. North-east District, “Great Bedwyn,” Mr. William, Bartlett.
Very variable in size, the compactness or laxity of its inflorescence,
and serratures of the leaves. FVowers bright yellow, in a terminal
leafy cluster, which is either simple or compound.
Invta, (Linn.) Invta.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii. +
Name. A word used by Virgil and Horace, said to be a cor-
ruption of Helenium, Latin for Elecampane: inula, or enula cam-
pana.
1. I. Helenium, (Linn.) Elecampane; the plant has the repu-
tation of having sprung from the tears of Helen. Engl. Bot. t.
1546. Corvisartia Helenium. Reich. Icones, xvi. 921.
Locality. Moist meadows and pastures. P. Fl. July, August.
Area, * * 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
3. South-west District, Left. bank of the river, near Bemerton ;
also in meadows near West Harnham Mill,” Dr. Maton. ‘‘ Nat.
Hist. Wilts.” ‘ Watery places in meadows about Britford,”
Major Smith.
North Division.
4, North-west District, ‘Ina field by the road-side from Kings-
down to South Wraxhall,”’ Miss Lonsdale. “ Flor. Bath.”
5. North-east District, Great Bedwyn,” Ur. William Bartlett.
Rare throughout Wilts, and perhaps scarcely wild in the above
localities. Stem 3 or 4 feet high ; flowers large, solitary, terminat-
ing the stem and branches.
2. I. Conyza, (DC.) Ploughman’s Spikenard. Conyza from
konops, (Gr.) a gnat; the plant having been supposed to possess
the virtue of driving away insects. Conysa squarrosa, Smith.
Engl. Bot. t. 1195. Reich. Icones, xvi. 928.
|
|
Locality. “By road-sides, hedges and bushy places in chalky
gtound, or in woods on a marly soil. P. Fl. July, September.
Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. In all the Districts, but not general. The root-
leaves greatly resemble those of Fox-glove (Digitalis purpurea),
but when rubbed they are readily distinguished by their aromatic
scent.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 185
PuuicariA, (GAERT.) FLEA-BANE.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. From pulex, pulicis (Lat.) a flea, hence the English name
Flea-bane, from the insects’ supposed dislike to the plant.
1. P. dysenterica, (Gaert.) Dysentery Flea-bane, from dys, diseased,
and interon, an intestine; in allusion to its medicinal properties.
Inula Engl. Bot. t, 1115. «
Locality. In moist meadows and watery places, and by the sides
of the Avon, brooks, and ditches. P. Fl. August, September.
Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. Not uncommon throughout Wilts. Whole plant
more or less woolly or cottony, glutinous, with a peculiar acid aro-
matic scent, somewhat like the flavour of peaches. Flowers yellow,
terminating the stem and branches; solitary or two together,
forming a kind of corymb.
Bivens, (Linn.) Bur-Maricop.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. From bis, double, and dens, a tooth; in allusion to the
awns or teeth which crown the seed.
1. B. tripartita (Linn.) trifid Bur-marigold, with leaves divided
“in tres partes,’ into three parts. Hngl. Bot. t. 1113. Reich.
Icones, xvi. 941.
Locality. In watery places, and on the sides of the Avon,
Kennet and Avon Canal, Ponds, and wet ditches. A. Fl. August,
September. Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. Occurring in all the Districts, but
not frequent. A variety is occasionally observed with radiant
3-toothed marginal florets; another in which the leaves are all un-
divided, but attention to their being petiolate, and to the outer
involucral bracteas, being many times longer than the flowers, will
distinguish it from the other British species.
186 The Flora of Wiitshire.
2. B. cernua, (Linn.) nodding Bur-marigold, cernuus (Lat.)
signifies nodding, or hanging the head; in allusion to the drooping
inflorescence of the plant. Engl. Bot. t. 1114. Reich. Icones. xvi.
941.
Locality. In similar situations to the foregoing but much more
rarely distributed. A. FV. August, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5,
Flowers rather large, yellow, always drooping. Some very interest-
ing remarks relative to the British species of Bidens, may be seen
in Dr. Johnson’s admirable Flora of Berwick-upon-Tweed. YV., ii.
p. 287.
2 AcHILLEA (Linn.) Yarrow MItFoIt.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii. P
So named because its healing virtues were said to be first dis-
covered by Achilles.
1. A. Ptarmica, (Linn.) Sneeze-wort; from ptarmike, a plant,
which causes to sneeze. The leaves have a slight pungent odour,
and when dried and powdered have formerly been used to excite
sneezing, whence the English name. Engl. Bot. t. 757. Reich.
Icones, xvi. 1024.
Locality. In moist meadows, pastures, thickets, and damp
heathy places. P. FV. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, ‘Meadows near Laverstock ””? Dr. Maton,
“ Nat. Hist. Wilts,” “Amesbury” Dr. Southby. ‘‘ Neighbourhood of
Salisbury, “ Mr James Hussey.”
2. South Middle District, “Stratford,” Dr. Maton.
3. South-west District, “Kilmington,” Diss Selwyn. “ War-
minster,” Ur. R. C. Griffith.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal,
«* River-side at Lacock and Chippenham, Dr. Alexander Prior.
5. North-east District, Wilts and Berks Canal, between Swindon,
and Cricklade. Damp meadows near Marston Meysey.
Not common in any of the above mentioned localities. Stem 1 to
3 feet high, erect terminating in a rather large corymb, the disk
as well as the ray of whose flowers is white.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 187
2. A. Millefolium, (Linn.) common Yarrow, Millefoil; from mille,
a thousand, and jfolium, a leaf, in allusion to the finely-cut leaf of
the plant. Hence, too, the English, Millefoil. ng. Bot. t. 758.
Reich. Icones, xvi. 1024. ‘
Locality. Pastures and waste ground. P. Fl. June, August.
Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. Distributed throughout all the Districts.
A. variety with pale rose-coloured flowers frequently occurs,
which differs only in the rays, being reflexed, and their teeth more
equal in size.
Antuemis, (Liny.) CHAMOMILE. 2
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii. °
Name. From anthemom, (Gr.) a flower; from the profusion of
its blossoms.’ _
1. A. arvensis, (Linn.) corn Chamomile. Engi. Bot. ¢. 602.
Reich. Icones, xvi. 1004.
Locality. Borders of "or aidan fields, A. Fl. June, July.
Area, 1. * 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
A, South-east District, “ Fields in the neighbourhood of Salisbury,”
Major Smith, and Mr. James Hussey.
3. South-west District, ‘Cultivated fields about Warminster,”
Mr. Wheeler.
North Division.
4. North-west District, On walls near Winsley, and South Wraxail,
“Occasionally observed in the neighbourhood of Chippenham.”
Dr. Alexander Prior.
5. North-east District, “Fields near West Woods; Fields near
Clench” Flora Marib., “Great Bedwyn,” Mr. William Bartlett.
Very local throughout Wilts. This species bears much resemblance
to some of the more hairy forms of A. Cotu/a, which in pubescence
and breadth of the segments of its leaves approaches the former
very closely. A. arvensis, may always be distinguished from it, by
its lax procumbent habit, generally larger and fewer flowers, that
are on very long hairy peduncles, a little enlarged upwards, and
not disposed in the same panicled or corymbose manner as in that
species.
VOL. X.—NO. XXIX. N
e®
188 The Flora of Wiltshire.
2. A. Cotula, (Linn.) stinking Chamomile, stink Mayweed.
Cotula is a dim. of Cota, an old name for a species of anthemis,
“taken, as it is thought, from the Thuscans Cauta, the dim. being
Cautula,” Parkinson. Engl. Bot. t. 1772. Reich. Icones, xvi.,
1000.
Locality. Fields and waste places. A. Fl. July, September.
Area, 1.2.3.4.5. Observed in all the Districts; often too plentiful
on ill drained land.
3. A. nobilis, (Linn.) noble or common Chamomile. Vobilis is
probably applied to this species to mark its superior medicinal
properties to the wild Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla). Engl.
Bot. t. 980. St. 27, 15. »
Locality. On dry pastures, banks, and commons, chiefly on a
moist sandy soil. P. Fi. July, August. Area, * 2. 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
2. South Middle District, “Cultivated at Bemerton by Mr.
Farrant,” Major Smith. ‘
3. South-west District, Warminster Downs,” Mr. Wheeler.
North Division. e
4, North-west District, “About Chippenham,” Dr. Alexander
Prior.
5. North-east District, ‘‘ Farm between Pewsey Road and Man-
ton,” Flora Marlb. “Great Bedwyn,” Mr. William Bartlett.
Very local in Wilts. The extremely short fleshy, and somewhat
hoary segments of the leaves, with the procumbent habit and
pungently aromatic odour of the bruised flowers, will enable any
one readily to distinguish this medicinal plant from several other
British species of the same genus which greatly resemble it. The
cultivated double variety of this plant is the Chamomile of the
druggists.
Marricara, (Linn.) FeveRFEew.
‘Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. From Matriz, in allusion to its medicinal properties.
1. M. Parthenium, (Linn.) common Fever-few. Engi. Bot. t.
1231. Pyrethrum, Smith.
Locality. Wall-tops, banks, and waste ground, especially near
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 189
houses. P. Fl. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Distributed
throughout the Districts, but not common, and scarcely appearing as
if truly indigenous. A common herb in rustic gardens, from whence
it readily escapes.
2. M. inodora, (Linn.) scentless fever-few. Engl. Bot. t. 676.
Pyrethrum, Smith.
Locality. In cultivated fields, and by waysides, especially in a
gravelly soil. A. Fl. July, August. Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. Frequent
throughout the County. Flowers large, on long naked peduncles ;
Florets of the circumference white, very long ; disk convex.
3. M. Chamomilla, (Linn.) wild Chamomile. The word Chamo-
milla is derived from (chamai) the ground, and (mé/on} an apple,
which the flowers are supposed to smell like. The old spelling
Chameemelum of Pliny would be more correct. Engl. Bot. t, 1232.
In corn-fields and waste ground. A. Fl. May, August. Area,
1.23.4.5. Inaiithe Districts. Probably frequent in the County,
but resembling so closely the fetid Chamomile (Anthemis Cotula)
that it can scarcely be distinguished but by the absence of the scales
botwedlithe florets. This species is said to possess the same proper-
ties as the officinal Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) but in a inferior
degree.
CHRYSANTHEMUM, (Linn.) CHRYSANTHEMUM OX-EYE.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. Compounded of chruseos, golden, and anthemon, a flower.
1. C. Leucanthemum, (Linn.) Great White Ox-eye, Moon Daisy.
Compounded of (/eukos,) white, and anthemon,a flower. Engl. Bot.
f 601. Sé. 2, 11.
Locality. Meadows, pastures, and mowing lands. P. Fl. June,
August. Area, 1.2. 3.4.5. Frequent in all the Districts. Flowers
large, with white rays, terminating the branches.
2. C. segetum, (Linn.) corn Marigold, or Yellow Ox-eye. Engl.
Bot. ¢. 540.
Locality. In cultivated fields amongst corn, turnips, potatoes,
and other crops, chiefly on a moist loamy soil. A. FV. June,
August. Area,1.2.3.4.5. More or less distributed throughout Wilts.
Flowers numerous, large, of a uniform brilliant yellow colour, one
: N2
190 The Flora of Wiltshire.
at the extremity of each branch, on a naked, hollow peduncle,
swelling upwards. It is often a very troublesome weed, and some-
times abounds to such a degree, as almost to annihilate the crop.
Artemisia, (Linn.) Wormwoop Mucwort.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. A word used by Pliny for some herb derived from
Artemis, the Greek name of Diana.
1. A. Vulgaris, Linn.) common Mugwort. The English name
Mugwort was probably given to this plant from the practice of
putting it into the mugs from which our forefathers drank, to
flavour their contents. ngil. Bot. t. 978.
Locality. On dry hedge banks, in waste ground, and borders of
fields, especially on gravel. P. Fl. July, September. Area, 1. 2.
3. 4.5. Generally distributed throughout Wilts. Stems, 3 to 4 feet
in height, smooth angular, with purple ribs, and striz. Florets,
reddish purple.
[Artemisia Absinthium, (Linn.) Engl. Bot. t. 1230, has been
reported to occur at Purton (Dist. 5.). Further localities for this
species in Wilts would be desirable. ]
Tanacetum (Linn.) Tansy.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. Anold word of very doubtful origin, said by some to be
a corruption of the Greek athanatos, immortal, ‘ because the flowers
gathered in due time, dye not for a long time after,”—Parkinson.
1. P. vulgare (Linn.) common Tansy. Engl. Bot. t. 1229,
Locality. Pastures, road-sides, borders of fields, and by the banks
of the Avon. P. Fl. July, August, Fr. September. Area, 1.
2. 3. 4. 5. In all the districts but sparingly. Stem, erect, 1 to 3
feet high. Flowersina terminal corymb. Leaves sprinkled thickly
with resinous dots, in which the strong odour of the plant resides.
Whole plant bitter and aromatic, formerly much used in medicine,
and also in domestic economy.
Finaco, (Linn.) Finaco.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. From filum, (Lat.) a thread; in reference to the stem
= =< ee
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 191
and leaves being covered with a downy thread or cotton.
1. F. germanica, (Linn.) German or common Filago. Gnaph-
alium, Smith. Engl. Bot. t. 946.
Locality. In pastures, fields, and waste ground, on a barren
gravelly soil. A. Fv. July, September. Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. General
throughout Wilts. The stems are erect, terminating at first in an
almost globular (Rose) head of ovate, sessile flowers ; from beneath
which soon spring two or three horizontal branches that curve
upward at the extremity and bear each a similar head of flowers;
these are sometimes again proliferous. This curious mode of growth,
the offspring, as it were, undutifully exalting themselves above the
parent, procured for the plant, among the old herbalists, the name
of Herba impia, or Wicked Cudweed.
2. F. minima, (Fries.) least Cudweed; minimus, (Lat.) least.
Engi. Bot. ¢. 1175. Gnaphalium, Sm. .
Locality. In dry fields, by road-sides, on waste places and wall
tops, rare in the county. FV. June, September. Area, 1.**4*.
South Division.
1. South-east District, « Gravelly places in the vicinity of
Salisbury,” Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
4, North-west District, ‘Near Chippenham,” Dr. Alewander
Prior. This species varies according to circumstances from 2 to 6
or 8 inchesin height. Stem slender, branched only above. Flowers
yellowish, sessile. Whole plant cottony, grayish.
Filago apiculata, (G. E. Sm.) and F. spathulata, (Presl.), Engi.
Bot. Suppl. 2997, and 2998, have not as yet I believe, been observed
in Wilts. In all probability they will ultimately be added to its
Flora.
GyapHatium, (Linn.) CupwEeEp.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. (Gr.) gnaphalion, from (gnaphalon) soft down, in refer-
ence to its woolly herbage.
1. G. uliginosum, (Linn.) Marsh Cudweed. Engi. Bot. ¢. 1194.
Locality. Sandy and wet places, especially where water occa-
sionally stands. A. Fl. July, September. Area, 1.2.3.4.5. In
192 The Flora of Wiltshire.
all the Districts. About a span in height, branched from the base,
clothed with a white cottony down.
2. G. sylvaticum, (Linn.) wood or Highland Cudweed. The
specific name sylvaticum is apt to mislead, as it grows not unfre-
quently in open fields. It is a frequent plant in Scotland in open
mountainous pastures. G. rectum, Smith. Engl. Bott. 124.
Reich. Icones, xvi. 58.
Locality. In woods, thickets, and pastures. P, Fl. July, Sep-
tember. Area, 1* 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, Wood at Manningford.
3. South-west District, “ Donhead,” Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
4. North-west District, “Sandy corn-fields at Bromham,” Miss
Meredith.
5 North-east District, “ West Woods near Marlborough,” Flor.
Marib. “Great Bedwyn,” Mr. William Bartlett. Perhaps more
frequent in the county than the above area of distribution would
indicate. .
[ Doronicum Pardalianches, (Linn.) Great Leopard’s-bane. Engl.
Bot. Suppl. 2654. I have observed this plant at the Sloperton end
of Stockley-lane, Bromham (District 4). Probably an escape from
the late Mr. Norris’s garden at Nonsuch House, who was in the
habit of cultivating the rarer British plants. ]
Senecio, (Liny.) Grounpsei Rac-wort.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. ii.
Name. From senez, (Lat.) an old man; in allusion to the naked
receptacle which resembles a bald-head, or to the hoary-down as
in Erigeron.
1. 8. eulgaris, (Linn.) common Groundsel. Engl. Bot. t. 747.
Locality. Cultivated and waste ground; everywhere. A. Fi.
January, December. Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. In all the Districts. One
of our most common weeds, in almost all soils and situations, rising
from a few inches to a foot high. /’/owers yellow, as in all of our
native species of the genus.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 193
2. 8. viscosus (Linn.) viscid or stinking Groundsel. Engl. Bot.
t. 32.
Locality. Waste ground, especially on chalky or gravelly soil
yare. A. Fl. July, August. Area, 1. * * * *
South Division.
1. South-east District, “On chalky hillocks near Alderbury,”
Dr. Maton, “ Nat. Hist. Wilts.” “Neighbourhood of Salisbury,”
Mr. James Hussey.
* Whole plant covered with viscid hairs, very fetid, much branched
and straggling. The Alderbury station requires to be confirmed
again on more recent authority.
3. S. sylvaticus, (Linn.) wood or mountain Groundsel. Engi.
Bot. t. 748.
Locality. Ondry sandy or gravelly banks, and in heathy bushy
places. A. Fl. July, September. Area, 1. * * 4 *
South Division.
1. South-east District, ‘ Amesbury downs.” Major Smith.
North Division.
4. North-west District, “ Chippenham,” Dr. Alexander Prior.
Apparently rare in the county, these being the only localities
recorded in my notes for this species. One foot high. Leaves finely
divided. Plant with a disagreeable smell, but not so powerful as
8. viscosus.
[S. sqgualidus (Linn.) Engl. Bot. ¢. 600. S. chrysanthemifolius,
(D. C.) ‘occurs at Pewsey (Dist. 1), but certainly escaped,” Rev.
LT. F. Ravenshaw. “ Flor. Marib.’’|
4. 8. tenuifolius, (Sm.) slender-leaved hoary Ragwort. Tenuis,
(Lat.) slender or fine, and folium aleaf. Engl. Bot. t. 574. 8.
—-erucifolius, (Linn.)
Locality. Hedges and borders of fields, chiefly on chalk or
gravelly soil. P. FU. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Dis-
tributed throughout all the Districts. Nearly allied to the following
but with more regular, less divided, and less spreading segments to
the leaves.
5. 8. Jacobea, (Linn.) St. James’ Ragwort. The specific name
Jacobea refers to the plant coming into flower about St. James’s-
194 The Flora of Wiitshire.
day (25th July). Ragwort; from the variously cut and divided
leaves. Engl. Bot. t. 11380.
Locality. Waste ground and neglected pastures. P. Fi. July,
September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Frequent throughout Wilts.
When eaten down or checked in its growth, it will often assume
the spreading inflorescence of the next species S. aguaticus, when
it can only be distinguished by the inspection of the achenes.
6. S. aquaticus, (Huds.) watery or Marsh Ragwort. Engl. Bot.
¢. 1181. .
Locality. In wet meadows, and by the sides of the Avon,
ponds, and ditches. P. Fl. July, August, Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Generally distributed. Much like to the last species but varying
greatly in height and foliage, according to the nature of the soil.
The lesser corymb, larger flowers, and perfectly smooth seeds, con-
stitute the chief features of distinction.
7.8. saracenicus, (Linn.) broad leaved Groundsel. Eng/.Bot.t.2211.
Locality. Moist meadows, and by the sides of streams, rare. P.
Fil. August. Area, 1. * * 4. *
South Division.
1. South-east District, “Swamp between the old Canal, and
Whaddon, not far from Grimstead,” Mr, W. H. Hatcher.
North Division.
4. North-west District, By the roadside on the Melksham side of
the Canal bridge at Semington, ‘“ By the river-side a little beyond
the Dundas Aqueduct,” Flora Bath.
Very local in Wilts, and most probably introduced. Root creeping,
Stems erect from 3 to 5 feet high, angular leafy smooth scarcely
branched; corymbose and many flowered at the summit.
8. S. campestris, (D. C.) field Fleawort. Cineraria, Retz. ,
integrifolia, With. Engl. Bot. t. 152.
Locality. Chalk downs, and open chalky pastures, rare. P. F7,
May, June. Area, 1. 2. 3. * 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, “Dry chalky hills near Winterslow, “Maton’s
Nat. Hist. Wilts.” “Amesbury,” Dr. Southby. ‘ Durnford,”
Mr. James Hussey.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 195
2. South Middle District, Westbury Downs, Battlesbury Camp,
near Warminster. ‘Warminster and Cherverell Downs,” Mr.
C. E. Broome.
3. South Middle District,“ Whitesheet-hill. ‘Homington and
Harnham Hill.” Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
5. North-east District, Slopes of Roundway Hill, Devizes. Hed-
dington Hill near Calne. “ Rabley Down.” Marib. Nat. Hist. Soe.
Distributed more or less over the chalk downs of the county. The
whole plant is clothed with a shaggy, deciduous cottony web, which
is most dense and permanent on the backs of the leaves, and is
subject to much variation in size, also in the number of flowers.
There are specimens in the Sherardian Herbarium with 1, 2, 3, and
6 flowers on each, and varying in height from 8 to 7 or 8 inches.
Sus-Orper II. CyNAROcEPHALE.
Flowers all tubular. Style swollen below its branches. In-
volucre imbricate in all our genera.
Cartina, (Liny.) Cartine THISTLE.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. Said to be a corruption of Carolina, so called after
Charlemagne, who is said to have preserved his army from the
ravages of the plague by the use of the root of this plant.
1. ©. culgaris, (Linn.) common Carline Thistle. Engl. Bot. t.
1144.
Locality. On the Downs, also in dry sandy and gravelly places.
B. Fi. July, October. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Generally distributed,
The presence of the Carline Thistle indicates a very poor soil ;
it particularly infests dry sandy pastures.
Arcrium, (Linn.) Burpock.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. 1.
Name. From arktos, a bear; in allusion to the roughness of its
globular heads. Dr. Prior informs us that the plant is called dock
as many others are, from its large leaves, but why bur is uncertain.
«1A. majus, (Schk.) Greater Burdock. Reich. Icones, xv., ¢t. 812.
Bab. Ann. Nat. Hist. ser. iii., vol. xv. p. 9.
VoL. x.—NO. XXIX. ré)
.
196 The Flora of Wiltshire.
Locality. In waste places, and by road-sides and borders of
fields. B. FU. August. Area, 1. 2. 8. 4. 5. Probably frequent
throughout Wilts. It is conspicuous on account of its long branches
and large heads, which latter much exceed in magnitude those of
either of the other species.
2. A. minus, (Schk.) lesser Burdock. ng. Bot. t. 1228. Reich.
Leones xv., t. 811. Bab. Ann. Nat. Hist. ser. iii. vol. xv. p. 187.
Locality. Waste ground and newly cut copses. B. Fi. August.
Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. In ail the Districts. A smaller plant than the
preceding, with heads about half the size. A. intermedium,
(Lange) should be looked for in the county. It grows principally
in woods. The distribution of the above species require further
study in Wilts. I would particularly refer the student to Pro-
fessor Babington’s paper “On the British species of Arctium,” in
the “ Ann. of Nat. Hist.” ser. iii., vol. xv.
SErRRaATULA, (Linn.) SAw-wokrt.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. A diminutive of serra, (Lat.) a saw; in allusion to the
leaves of the plant, which are serrated.
1. S. tinctoria, (Linn.) common or Dyer’s Saw-wort. The plant
being used for the purpose of dyeing. ng. Bot. t. 38. St. 3, 16.
Locality. In woods, hedges, and thickets, mostly on clay. P,
l. July, August. Fr. September, October. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Not frequently distributed in the county. Stem, 2 or 8 feet high,
angular, rigid, branched. Leaves sometimes nearly entire, the
sharp serratures excepted. Vowers dark purple. The flowers and
general aspect of the saw-wort remind one of some species of
Centaurea.
Centaurea, (Linn.) KnaPweep.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. iii.
Name. Said to be named after the Centaur Chiron, who first
used the plant medicinally.
1. C. nigra, (Liun.) black discoid Knapweed. Engl. Bot. t. 278.
(inv. not good.) Reich. Icones xv., t. 761.
Locality. In meadows, pastures, borders of fields. and road-
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 197
sides. P. Fl. July, September. Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. Frequent and
generally distributed throughout Wilts. C. nigra, (Linn.) occasionally
occurs with the outer row of florets barren and radiant, but is not
common.—f. ©. decipiens (Thuill). This form which is not un-
frequent in Wilts and the West of England, occurs with flowers
usually (perhaps always) radiant, and is a more elegant plant with
the pericline generally smaller and less globular, and the branches
more wiry than in the last variety; its involucral appendages
being more irregular. This may possibly be the C. nigrescens,
(Bab.) and of Continental botanists, and probably may be distinct
from the radiant form of C. nigra, (Linn.) although it is difficult
to decide to which of the two forms some specimens ought to be
referred.
-2. C. Cyanus, (Lion.) Corn Knapweed, or Blue-bottle. Cyanus
means Sky-bue, aud is applied to describe the exquisite tint of the
flowers; hence the English name Blue-boitle. Engl. Bot. t. 277.
Locality. Corn-fields on chalk and gravel. A. Fl. June, August.
Area, 1.2.3.4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, “Corn-fields in the neighbourhood of
Salisbury,” Major Smith and Mr. James Hussey. ‘ Amesbury,”
Dr. Southby. “Pewsey,” Fev. T. F. Ravenshaw.
2. South Middle District, Corn-fields on Salisbury Plain, and
Westbury Downs.
3. South-west District, Corn-fields at Warminster and Corsley.
North Division.
4. North-west District, Corn-fields near Chippenham and
Bromham.
5. North-east District, “Beyond Martiusell,” Jor. Marib.
“Great Bedwyn,” Mr. William Bartiett. ;
Stem 2 or 3 feet high, much branched, covered with a loose
cottony down. orets of the disk small, purple; of the ray, few,
larger, bright blue, spreading. The most elegant of the native
species of Centaurea, and not uncommon in Wiltshire corn-fields.
It is a pernicious weed to the farmer, and requires his greatest care
to eradicate.
02
198 The Flora of Wiltshure.
3. C. Scabiosa (Linn.) Great, or Scabious-leaved Knapweed
Matfellow. Engl. Bot. t. 56.
Locality. Borders of fields, waste ground, &c., especially on
chalk throughout the county. P. Fl. July, September. Area, 1.
2.3.4.5. Stem 2 to 8 feet high, angular branched. Leaves, dark
. green. Flowers large, purple, solitary at the ends of the branches.
A variety with white flowers is occasionally met with. |
Onoporpum, (Linn.) Corron TuHIsTLe.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. From onos, an ass, and perdo, from its effect on the
animal.
O. Acanthium, (Linn.) common Cotton Thistle. This is con-
sidered by some the emblematical thistle of Scotland; others assign
the honour of representing our sister kingdom to the Milk-thistle
(Silybum Marianum), or to the Welted-thistle (Carduus Acanthétdes).
The motto “Nemo me impune lacessit,” will apply to either of the
three with equal justice. Acanthium is a diminutive of acantha ;
which is said by some to be from ake a point, and anthos, a flower.
Engl. Bot. t. 977.
Locality. By road-sides and in waste places, particularly in
chalky or sandy soils. 3B. Fl. August. Area, * * 3, 4. *
South Division.
3. South-west District, “‘Corn-fields in the parish of Britford,”
Mr. James Hussey.
North Division.
4, North-west District, ‘Lane between Kington and Corsham,”
Rev. E. Rowlandson. ‘ Rudlow and Box,” Mr. C. £. Broome.
Very rare in Wilts, and only as yet observed in the above Dis-
tricts. When the flowering is over, the innermost scales of the
involucrum close together and preserve the seed; iu this respect,
as well as in the honey-combed receptacle, it differs from the com-
mon Thistles (the Carduus and Cnicus tribes), in which, as soon as
the seed is ripe, the first hot day opens the heads, expands the
pappus, and the least wind carries away theseeds; but in this plant
they remain shut up and strongly defended.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 199
Carpuvus, (Linn.) THISTLE.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. From the Celtic and Gaelic card; a card for combing
wool, for which the involucre of some of the species may have been
employed ; and this again from ard, in Celtic, a point; whence
also ardos, in Greek, arduus, ardeo, &c., in Latin.
1. C. nutans, (Linn.) nodding Thistle, in allusion to the droop-
ing head of the plant. It is called also the Musk Thistle, in refer-
ence to the powerful musk-like smell which it exhales in hot
weather towards evening. Zngl. Bot. ¢. 1112.
Locality. In dry waste ground, rough barren fields, pastures
and fallows ; plentiful in calcareous soils, abundant on the sides of
our high downs, and in chalk pits. B. Fl. May, August. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
In ail the Districts. Flowers large and handsome, drooping, of a
crimson or purplish colour, sometimes white, with a sweet musky
scent at all times of the day in warm weather. This species is
distinguished from other British Thistles by the nodding or droop-
ing corolla.
2. C. crispus, (Linn.) welted Thistle, in allusion to the welt or
edging, which runs throughout the plant. Engi. Bot. ¢. 973.
Locality. In hedge-banks, borders cf fields, and by road-sides.
B. Fl. July, August. Area, 1.2. 3. 4. 5.
Generally distributed in all the Districts. @. C. acanthdtdes, (Linn.)
occurs in similar situations, but is the less common form. I find
no permanent character by which to separate these plants.
3. C. Janceolatus, (Linn.} lanceolate, or Spear Thistle. Engi.
Bot. t. 107.
Locality. In waste places, by road-sides, in pastures, and culti-
vated ground. B. Fl. July, August. Area, 1.2.3.4.5. Very
common in all the Districts.
4. C. eriophorus, (Linn.) woolly-headed Thistle. Hriophorus
signifies woolly ; from erion wool, and phero to bear; in allusion to
the under part of the leaves, and especially the head of the plant
being covered with a thick woolly substance. Engi. Bot. t.
386.
200 The Flora of Wiltshire.
Locality. In waste ground, and by road-sides, on a limestone
or chalky soil. B. Fv. August. Area, 1.* 8.4.5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, ** Waste ground near Pitton, common in
the county,” Bot. Guide. ‘ Road-sides about Clarendon,” Major
Smith, and Mr. James Hussey. “Pewsey Downs,” Rev. ZT. F.
Ravenshav. |
3. South-west District, “Near Wardour,” Vajor Smith.
North Division.
4. North-west District, “Limpley Stoke, Box Quarries, Wads-
wick, and Bide Vale,” Wats. Bot. Guide. “Neighbourhood of
Chippenham,” Dr. R. C. Prior.
5. North-east Districi, Hedge-banks at Morden. “ Near Burbage,”
Fior. Marb.
A. large and conspicuous plant, not easily overlooked, though
not as yet observed in (Dis/. 2), where this handsome Thistle can
scarcely be absent.
d. CG. arvensis, (Curt.) corn-field or Creeping Thistle. This is
the most difficult of the genus to eradicate, on account of its deep
and widely-creeping roots, Eng/. Bot. t. 975.
Locality. In cultivated fields, and by way-sides, a very trouble-
some weed. P. FV. July. Area, 1.2.3.4.5. Everywhere through-
out the Districts. An execrable pest in damp corn-fields and culti-
vated ground. Stems angular, but no¢ winged. ©
6. C. palustris, (Linn.) marsh Thistle. Engl. Bot. t. 974.
Locality. In moist meadows and pastures, and other damp, low,
wet situations, pleutifully. A. IV. July, August. Area, 1.2.8.4. 5.
In all the Districts. A whive variety of this plant is not uncommon.
7. C. pratensis, (Huds.) meadow Thistle. Eng/. Bot t. 177.
Cirsium anglicum, Lam.
Locality. Boggy meadows and wet moorish ground, especially
among trees. P. Fl. June, August. Avea, 1. * 3. 4. 5.
South Division.
1. South-east District, Alderbury,” Mi. James Hussey.
8. South Middle District, Neighbourhood of Warminsier,” Mr.
Wheeler.
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 201
North Division.
4. North-west District, ‘In the brick field, opposite the inn at
* * near Devizes,” Dr. R. C. Prior. Wats. Bot. Guide.
5. North-east District, Banks of the Canal between Swindon and
Cricklade. Very local in Wilis, and occurring but sparingly in
the above localities. About 1 foot high. Leaves waved, toothed,
and spiny, whiter beneath than in any of the preceding species.
Flowers solitary. An interesting form of this plant was found a
few years since, at Penhill near Swindon (Dis/. 5), by the late
Mr. S. P. Woodward (C. Woodwardii). It is now considered a
hybrid between C. acaulis and C. pratensis, varying extremely in
appearance, but always more nearly resembling the latter than the
former, so that it may be merely an extreme state of it. Some of
the forms bear a very close resemblance to C. ‘uberosus.
8. C. tuberosus, (Linu.) tuberous Thistle. Engl. Bot. t. 2562.
Cirsium bulbosum, DC., Koch.
Locality. In thickets and borders of woods. P. Fi. August,
September. Area, ** 3. * *
South Division.
3. South-west District, ‘In a truly wild thicket of brush wood,
called Great Ridge, on the Wiltshire Downs, between Boyton
House and Fonthill, abundantly,” A. B. Lambert, Esq., Engi. Flor.
vol. iii. This is the only locality at present known for this most
distinct and handsome species in England, where it formerly grew
in antl abundance, but of late years has become remarkably
searce. Luxuriant forms of C pratensis, and C. acaulis, have not
unfrequently been mistaken for it, in the other parts of the county.
For further remarks on C. éuberosus, I wouid refer to the Society’s
Magazine vol. iii., p. 249.
9. C. acaulis, (Linn.) stemless or dwarf Thistle, Ground Thistle.
_Acaulis is a barbarous compound of a. priv, Gr. and caulis, Lat. a
stem. Engi. Bot. ¢.161. St. 24, 16.
Locality. Dry calcareous pastures. P. Fl. July, September,
Area, 1. 2. 3.4.5. Commonly distributed throughout the County, in
dry upland meadows and pastures; extremely frequent on the
highest chalk downs. Leaves spreading, close to the ground in the
202 The Flora of Wiltshire.
form of a circle, and eradicating all other herbage. Flower central,
generally solitary, large. Forets reddish purple, or crimson.
Sitysum, (Garrt.) Mux Tuistie.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. A Greek word of uncertain origin and application to
this plant. ;
1. S. marianum, (Gaert.) Virgin Mary’s Thistle. The leaves of
this plant are a deep glossy green, with milk-white veins, which
give them the appearance of being marbled, a character which in
the days of monkish superstition, was attributed to the milk of the
Virgin Mary having fallen upon a plant of this species, whose
descendants have retained the blessed stain; hence it is sometimes
called, My Lady’s Thistle, Holy or Blessed Thistle. Carduus, Sm.
Engl. Bot t. 976.
Locality. Dry banks and waste ground, chiefly about houses ;
occasionally. B. Fi. June, July. Area, 1. * 3. **
South Division.
1. South-east District, “Milford Hill, not un-frequent,” Dr.
Maton, “ Nat. Hist. Wilts.” Ona bank near the second mile-stone
on the Downton road, between it, and the new cottages.” Major
Smith. ‘ Neighbourhood of Salisbury,” Mr. James Hussey.
3. South-west District, ‘Near Chapmanslade,” Miss Griffith.
Perhaps scarcely wild in Wilts. Distinguishable at once by the
white veins on its /eaves, and the great and curved scales of the
involucre. Itshould be looked for in the northern part of the county.
Sus-Orver III. Cicuortacem or LIicuLirtorZz.
Flowers all ligulate and perfect.
Lapsana, (Linn.) Nipprewort.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Named. from (lapazo) to purge, in allusion to its medicinal
qualities.
1. L. communis (Linn.) common Nipplewort Dock-cress. Engl.
Bot. t. 844.
Locality. Waste and cultivated ground, hedges, and newly cut
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 203
copses. A. Fi. July, August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In all the
Districts frequent. Stem rising to the height of 2 or 8 feet. Leaves
soft and flaccid, a little hairy ; the radical ones often lyrate. Heads
small, with few florets. wit destitute of pappus.
CicHorium, (Linn.) Succory, Cutcory.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Named from chikouryeh, the Arabic name.
1. C. Intybus, (Linn.) wild Succory orendive. Engl. Bot. ¢. 539.
St. 6. 15.
Locality. About the borders of fields, in waste places, and by
road-sides, chiefly on a gravelly or chalky soil. P, Fl. July,
August. Area, 1.2. 3.4.5. General in all the Districts. Flowers
numerous, large, handsome, bright blue, sometimes white. Scales
of the pappus very short. Fruit angular. C. Endivia, the common
endive of the garden, isa well known salad, believed to have been
originally introduced from the East Indies; the bitterness of its
foliage is much lessened by cultivation in a rich soil, and it is still
more palatable by blanching; by some botanists it has been con-
sidered a mere variety of our indigenous species. ©. Intybus.
Hyrocuaris, (Linn.) Cat’s-Ear.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. From (hupo), for, and (choirus), a hog; the roots being
eaten by that animal.
1. H. radicata (Linn.) long-rooted Cat’s-ear. Engl. Bot. t. 831.
Locality. Pastures, banks, and waste ground. P. Fl. July,
August. Area,1. 2.3.4.5. More or less distributed through the
County. Root strong, tapering, running deep into the ground.
Stem, 1 foot or more high. Peduneles a little thickened upwards.
Flowers large yellow, Achenes of ali the florets beaked.
TurinciA, (Roru.) THRINcIA.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. From (thrinkos), a feather, in allusion to the feathery
pappus or seed-down.
1. T. hirta (D.C.) hairy Trincia. »Zngl. Bot. t.555.
VOL. X.—NO. XXIX. P
204 The Flora of Wiltshire.
Locality. Pastures, especially on a gravelly soil. P. Fi. July,
September. Area, 1.2. 3.4.5. In all the Districts. Locally common,
but not general. Root, preemorse. Leaves variable as to toothing,
sometimes runcinate. JYowers drooping in bud. This greatly
resembles Apargia hispida but it is a much smaller plant, and is
readily distinguished from that, by its nearly smooth calyx, and
the want of feathery pappus to the outer row of seeds.
Apareia, (Scures.) Hawxsirt.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. Of uncertain origin. Apargia (Gr.) was aitslied to
some plant of this tribe.
1. A. hispida (Wilid.) rough Hawkbit. Hispidus (Lat.) means
rough or bristly with hairs. Engl. Bot. t. 554. Leontodon. L.
Locality. Meadows and pastures, especially on chalk or lime-
stone. P. Fil. June, September. Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. Generally
distributed throughout Wilts. Scape single-flowered. Leaves toothed,
rough, with forked hairs. Involucrum hairy. Flowers drooping
in the bud. lovets hairy at their orifice; glandular at the tip.
This plant is subject to much variation, both in size and hairiness.
2 A. autumnaiis, (Willd.) autumnal Hawkbit, Hedypnois. Engl.
Bot, ¢. 830. Oporinia Don.
Locality. In meadows and pastures. P. Fl. August. Area,
1. 2. 3. 4.5. Frequent throughout the County. This plant bears
much resemblance to Hypochwris radicata, but the leaves are nar-
rower, more pointed, and more flaccid, generally smoother, and in
the broader forms more deeply divided. The fruit is also destitute
of the long beak, with which that of H. radicuta is furnished.
Tracordcon, (Linn.) Goat’s-BEARD.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. From (tragos) a goat, and (pogon) a beard; in allusion
to the long pappus to the seed.
1. T. minor, (Fries) smaller Goat’s-beard. T. major. Hook (not
perhaps of Jacquin). Engl. Bot 8 ed. t. 1299.
Locality. Meadows, pastures, and borders of fields. B. FV.
June, duly. Area, 1, 2. 3.4.5. In all the Districts but not
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 205
common. This is the only form that I have as yet observed in
Wilts. Localities for T. pratensis (L.) have been reported me by
several correspondents, but am not sure whether they may not all
be referrible to T. minor. There is, no reason however, why we
should not have both species.
Picris, (Linn.) Picris.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. From (pikros,} bitter, as are many of this tribe.
1. P. hieracioites (Linn.) Hawk-weed Picris. Engl. Bot. ¢. 196.
Locality. On dry banks, road-sides, and borders of fields, on a
gravelly or chalky soil. B. Fl. July, September. Area, 1. 2. 3.
4. 5. Generally distributed. Whole piant hispid, with strong
spreading bristles.
Heraiwtana, (Juss.) Ox-TONGUE.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. 1.
Name. From (Helminthion) Gr: a small kind of worm; which
the rugose seeds somewhat resemble. ;
1. H. echioides (Geert.) echium-like Picris, bristly Ox-tongue.
Engi. Bot. ¢. 972.
Locality. On the borders of corn-fields, ditch banks, and by road-
sides on clay soil. A. Fi. July, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Rather local in the Districts. Stem 2 to 3 feet high, clothed with
rigid spines, trifid and recurved at the apex, arising from tuber-
cular bases. A nearly smooth variety of this plant is represented
in Hermann’s Paradisus Batavus, p. 185.
Lacruca, (Linn.) Lerruce.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Named from Jac, milk; which flows from this and many plants
of the tribe, when broken.
1. L. muralis, (DC.) wall Lettuce; from murus (Lat.) a wall.
Prenanthes Smith. Engl. Bot. t. 457.
_ Locality. Banks in woods, old chalk-pits, and banks of hollow
‘anes; where there is shade; chiefly on chalk or loam. A. (P.
Smith), Fv. July. Area, 1. 2.3. 4.* Very local in Wilts, and
P 2
206 The Flora of Wiltshire.
apparently far from common. Has any botanist observed this
species in (District 5)? I have not any note of its occurrence.
[2. L. virosa, (Linn.) strong scented Lettuce. Engl. Bot. t. 1957,
has been reported to grow on a hedge-bank in a lane leading from
Southbrook to Lower Stratton, near Swindon. It would be well
to have this locality confirmed during the ensuing summer. |
Lzontopon, (Liny.) DANDELIoN.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. From (leon, leontos,) a lion, and (odous) a tooth; in
allusion to the tooth-shaped divisions of the leaves. French, Dent
de lion, English, Dandelion.
1. L. Taraxacum, (Linn.) common Dandelion; from (tarasso), to
disturb ; in allusion to its medicinal properties. Engl. Bot. ¢. 510.
Locality. Waste ground, pastures, and old walls. P. Fl. March,
September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Abundant in all the Districts.
We have two extreme varieties of L. Zaraxicum occurring in
Wilts, a. outer scales of the flowering involucre reflexed. 6.
scales of the flowering involucre erect, adpressed, but there are
several intermediate forms occasionally met with on the Downs.
Soncuus, (Linn.) SowTHIsTLe.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. 1.
Name. A word used by Pliny, for the sow-thistle, from the
Greek sonchos. '
1. S. oleraceus (Linn.) common sow-thistle, Oleraceus (Lat.) of
the nature of a pot-herb,—olus. Engl. Bot. t. 848.
Locality. Cultivated and waste ground. A. Fl. June, August.
Area, 1.2.3. 4.5. Common in all the Districts. Leaves clasping
the stem, with spreading saggitate auricles. Fruit longitudinally
ribbed and transversely rugose.
2. S. asper (Hofim.) sharp-fringed annual Sow-thistle. Engl.
Bot. t. Suppl. 2765, 2766.
Locality. In similar places with the last, and nearly as common.
A. Fl. June, September. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Leaves, sharply
toothed, all lanceolate with rounded auricles. wit longitudinally
ribbed smooth. *
+
‘
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 207
8. S. arvensis, (Linn.) corn Sow-thistle. Engi. Bot. t. 674.
Locality. In cultivated fields, amongst corn, especially on a
dampish soil. P. Fl. August. Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. SInall the
Districts. Flowers very large yellow.
Crerpis, Linn. Hawk’s-BEARD.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name given by Pliny to some plant, from erepis (Gr.) a sandal ;
which the leaves were supposed to resemble.
1. ©. virens, (Linn.) smooth Hawk’s-beard: virens, (Lat.) means
green, or flourishing. C. tectorwm, Smith, (not Linn.) Engl. Bot.
1111.
Locality. In meadows, pastures, and waste ground ; also on old
walls, dry banks, and by road-sides frequent. A. Fl. June, Sep-
tember. Area,1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
General in all the Districts. Varying greatly in size and luxu-
riance, from a few inches to 2 or 8 feet in height. Stem rather
slender, more or less branched; purple at the joints. Professor
Babington in a paper published in the 17th yolume of “The
Transactions of the Linnean Society,” p. 451, has clearly shown
that this plant is the Crepis virens of Linneus, and not the C. tec-
torum of that author, as has generally been supposed. The Crepis
tectorum of Linnzus, which has not yet been found wild in Britain,
is described as having the leaves sinuato-pinnatifid, the fruit oblong,
attenuated, with rough ribs, equalling the pappus; whereas our
plant has the fruit smooth, oblong, shorter than the pappus.
_[C. biennis, (Linn.) biennial Hawk’s-beard, Engl. Bot. t. 149, the
Rev. T. A. Preston informs me has recently been discovered at
Mildenhall near Marlborough (Dist. 5.) It will doubtless be found
in other parts of the County, but is extremely liable to be con-
founded with C. taraxacifolia, (Thuil.)] ‘
Hieractum, (Liny.) HAwKWEED.
Linn. Cl. xix. Ord. i.
Name. From teraz, (Gr.) a hawk; because birds of prey were
iccet to employ the juice of this plant to strengthen their
powers of vision; or rather, perhaps, from the mixture of black
a
208 The Flora of Wiltshire.
and yellow in some species resembling the colour of a hawk’s eye;
whence possibly the English name Hawkweed.
1. H. Pilosella, (Linn.) common Mouse-ear Hawkweed. Pilo-
sella is a Latin substantive, originally an adjective, diminutive of
pilosus, hairy, and agreeing with herba, pilosella herba. Mouse-ear
from the shape of the leaf. Engl. Bot. t. 1093.
Locality. In dry open pastures, banks, park walls, and cottage
roofs. P. Fl. May, August. Area, 1. 2.3.4.5. Generally dis-
tributed throughout the County. Florets of a pale lemon yellow, those
of the ray with red stripes on the back. When growing onthe exposed
and elevated parts of our Downs, the whole plant becomes smaller
and the scions (sto/ones) very much abbreviated, or entirely wanting.
2. H. vulgatum, (Fries) wood Hawkweed. H. sylvaticuwm, Smith.
Engi. Bot. t. 2031.
Locality. Woods, banks, and old walls. P. F7. July, September.
Area, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In all the Districts, but local. A most diffi-
cult and variable species, recognizable generally by the form of the
leaves, the forward direction of their teeth, and the leafy stem.
3. H. umbellatum, (Linn.) umbellate narrow-leaved Hawkweed.
Engl. Bot. t. 1771.
Locality. In woods, thickets, and‘on heaths, in dry sandy or
gravelly soil. P. Fl. July, September. Area, * * 3. 4. *
South Division.
3. South-west District, Woods at Longleat.
« _ North Division.
4. North-west District, ‘Bowden Hill, on the heathy ground
crossing to Marsh Hill,” Dr. Alewander Prior, Wat’s. Bot. Guide.
“Near Limpley Stoke,” “Flor. Bath.” H. umbellatum should be
looked for in the other Districts. One of the most decidedly marked |
species of its genus. Pericline remarkable for the squarrose tips of
the nearly glabrous phyllaries; a character by which the species
may be readily known in all its forms.
4. H. boreale (Fries.) northern or shrubby leaved Hawkweed.
H. sabaudum Smith. Engl. Bot. t. 349. -
Locality. In woods, hedges, and banks. P. Fv. July, September.
Areapl. * * * 5. ; ’
iv
y
*,
Excavations at Avebury. 209
South Division.
1, South-east District, “Coppice at the foot of Alderbury Hill,”
Dr. Maton, “ Nat. Hist. Wilts.” “ Alderbury Woods,” Major Smith.
North Division.
5. North-east District, ‘‘ Brick-fields, near Pewsey Road.” ior.
Marib. Additional localities jor this species would be desirable. It
may be distinguished readily from H. umbedlatum by the smaller
and less umbellate anthodes and the phyllares not reflexed at the
points. «|
Gxcabations xt Aocbury,
ra
Unver THE Direction OF THE SECRETARIES OF THE WILTSHIRE
Z
ARcHmOLOGICAL AND Naturat History Society,
September 29th,—October 5th, 1865.
[Im preparing the following account, I have had the advantage of comparing the notes which
Mr. King and Mr. Cunnington also took of our daily work as it eeded, and from the three
several accounts I haye compiled this paper. A.C. S.]
SN September 29th of last year, Mr. Cunnington and I,
() on behalf of our Society, began some considerable re-
searches within the area of the temple at Avebury, sinking holes
in many places, running trenches across certain spots, and tunnel-
ling the large external mound, and tapping it at several points, with
the view of thoroughly examining its structure and materials; and
in every. case digging down to the chalk or clay which forms the
natural substratum of the district.
In these explorations we were materially assisted by the res-
pected Vicar of the parish, the Rev. Bryan King, who very kindly
directed and superintended the workmen, whenever neither of us
was able to be on the spot, and otherwise furthered our operations.
We were also most kindly and zealously aided by those true friends
of archeology, Mr. George Brown and Mr. Kemm, who not only
sanctioned our somewhat unceremonious disturbance of their land,
but abetted us to the utmost of their power, by providing the
+
a
210 Excavations at Avebury.
labourers and all the materiel required for carrying out the work.
To these gentlemen as well as to Mr. Robert Smith, who suffered
us to dig an extensive trench across one of his fields, we beg at the
outset to tender our hearty thanks, as without their permission and
assistance, we could of course have done nothing.
The main object of our excavations was not so much the expec-
tation of making any new discoveries, or of bringing to light any
hidden archeological treasures, as the desire to thoroughly ascertain
the sites of certain of the great sarsen stones which had been
removed in former days, and whose position was as yet more or
less defined by depressions in the ground where they once stood :
and more particularly to set at rest the question of late years
rashly (as we think) ventured on by certain writers, and advocated
by Mr. Fergusson in a recent number of the Quarterly Review,}
that the area of Avebury was a vast burial ground, and that human
bones would be found in abundance by any one who would take
the trouble by digging, to examine the ground below the surface.
EXcavarions AT THE NorTHERN CIRCLE.
We bezan our operations at the north of the area in the meadow
just beyond the “Cove” of the northern circle, and dug a trench
on either side of the great stone marked “‘e” in Mr. Long’s map,
(see Wiltshire Magazine, vol. iv., p. 18) but there were not any
traces of any burial deposit whatever. In the mould just under
the turf were two or three fragments of British pottery, bones of
sheep, and a small piece of burnt micaceous sandstone—not sarsen.
Our next point, and one of considerable interest, was at the Cove,
within the circle: here we sunk four large holes, within the rick-
yard: Mr. Brown in the most obliging thanner having a small
straw rick removed which stood in our way. The first hole was
sunk at the foot of the large massive western stone of the Cove
(marked “a” in the map), on its eastern side. Here we discovered a
layer of blocks of sarsen stones, varying in size from a few inches
square, to fourteen or eighteen inches in length, by eight or nine
inches in diameter. These were evidently placed there, and rammed
; » 1No, 215, July, 1860, p. 209. 7
ey
RS aa eer FE
pow
Excavations at Avebury. 211
in for the purpose of propping the massive stone in its upright
position. On digging on the other (the west) side of the same
stone, we found a*continuation of the same layer of sarsen blocks.
The next hole was dug close to the tall upright stone (“‘b” in the
map); this disclosed the same sarsen fouudations as in the other
instance. The fact that these stones were thus supported, has not,
as far as I am aware, been hitherto observed.
In digging near the large stone, we noticed at a spot about a
foot below the surface, a quantity of black charred matter. This
discovery induced us to extend our operations by digging a large
trench from this spot in an east north east direction, ten feet from
the great western stone: and throughout this distance we found
numerous large flakes and chips of sarsen, covered with black
charred matter and burnt straw, or other material ; but beyond this
it ceased, and the ground appeared undisturbed as in other parts.
But again we came upon more burnt matter and more charred stones
in a hole we dug farther on in the same direction, viz., E.N.E., from
the great western stone. Here there apparently stood the third stone
of the Cove, exactly equidistant from the inside centre of the
remaining two; and the fire of destruction having been lit (as was
customary) beneath it, it fell towards the western stone, where
again other fires were lit for breaking up the upper portion, and
hence the chippings cr flakes and burnt matter in that immediate
spot. At first I was inclined to attribute these flakes to the remains
of an “ Altar stone,’ which might have once stood in the centre of
the three stones of ‘the Cove,” and since have been destroyed, but
this theory is not supported by any tangible facts. We now sunk
another hole due east of the large western stone of the Cove, on the
supposition that the tall stone standing due south, might have been
‘4 flanked by large stones east and west, but we came upon no trace of
any stone having ever stood in that position. A good deal of British
pottery, and many anima] bones; sheep, horse, ox, and dog, were
fonnd in all of these holes, more especially in the latter, but no
human bones whatever. I should add, that above the natural soil
within the Cove, now a rick-yard, an accumulation of chalk rubble
covers the surface of the ground to the depth of above a foot:
a
212 Excavations at Avebury.
We now left the Cove, and to the S.E., and outside the rick-
yard, opened out a recumbent sarsen, which showed its head above
the soil, but which Mr. King rightly conjectured to possess a huge
body buried beneath. It proved to be of considerable size, about
eight feet in length, as near as we were able to judge by digging.
This we believe to have been one of the stones of the inner circle
surrounding the Cove? From hence returning into the mea-
dow hard by, we directed the workmen to dig a hole in a cavity
where an upright stone of the northern circle stood, N.N.E. of the
Cove. Here too we found a quantity of burnt and blackened
chipped sarsens, as also many fragments of old-fashioned flat glass
bottles, one nearly entire, of about the date 1700. This latter
discovery was by no means remarkable, as an inn formerly occu-
pied the spot where the farm house now stands in the yard adjoin-
ing, and jovial spirits may have demolished empty bottles a century
and a half ago, as they sometimes do now: or Tom Robinson, so
well denounced by Stukely as the Herostratus of his day, and
whose name is not endeared to the Wiltshire archzxologist, may
have been a thirsty soul.
In the same meadow, and at the S.E. portion of it there stands
a low embankment, raised some two or three feet above the general
level. The object of this embankment is wholly unknown, and
with a view to its investigation, we cut right through it from west
to east, but we found nothing, with the exception of a portion of
stags horn and some fragments of pottery. In the same meadow,
~ due east and a little to the north of this embankment and near the
old Down road, we sunk a hole, but without finding anything.
. *
EXCAVATIONS AT THE SOUTHERN CIRCLE.
We now crossed over to the south circle, and found the exact
centre, by careful measurement from the still standing stones of the
outer circle: since (together with perfectly distinct traces of
cavities where others stood) enough of these stones remained to
enable us to obtain an accurate segment of the circle. Here then,
at a distance of 163 feet from the outside stones of the circle, we
sunk a large square hole; and our measurements had not deceived
*
»
4
=e
:
f
Excavations at Avebury. 213
ca
us: for in the exact centre, we found large quantities of burnt
sarsens, including chips, flakes, and much charred matter, proof
positive that this was the site of the large central stone, and the
scene of its destruction. And now starting from this centre we
cut a long trench very nearly due west, in a straight line towards
the westernmost of the great stones still standing in the outer
circle. This was a work of considerable time, for the trench was
extended to a distance of sixty feet from the centre, as we thought
thus to ascertain the possible existence of any inner circle, but
nothing was found. Subsequently we cut other short trenches
from the centre: one towards the north, another towards the south,
and a third towards the east; in all of which large quantities of
burnt sarsens, flakes, chips, and burnt matter were exhumed, and
all doubtless belonging to the ponderous mass which once occupied
the centre of this southern sanctuary.
EXcaVATIONS IN THE SURROUNDING AGGER.
Hitherto we had confined our attention almost exclusively 1o the
two inner circles, which were probably the great centres of attrac-
tion and of devotion, when this famous temple was in use: but now
we resolved to examine carefully the great mound which encloses
the sacred area. With this end in view we first dug several minor
trenches, tapping it in various places, and always running our
trench down to the original undisturbed soil. Thus E.N.E.
and within the mound, or on its western face, we made a deep
trench, but found nothing. Then on the south-western end of the
mound, where a considerable gap had been cut, the material having
been removed, and the ground levelled for the convenience of the
modern village, we selected the centre of the section as the point
from which to run our trench, and then dug a large and deep
cutting into the very middle and down to the undisturbed chalk ;
but the only reward of our labours was one fragment of pottery.
Farther to the east, and on the outside or southern face of the
“mound, we dug a small perpendicular hole down to the original
soil, but again found nothing. These were comparatively trifling
probings of the great mound, only slight and random tappings in
:
¢
214 Excavations at Avebury. .
its mighty sides: but now we prepared for a thorough examination
of its materials, and to this end having already sufficiently ex-
amined the southern end, we selected the W.N.W. side of the gap,
behind Mr. Kemm’s rick-yard, in a field called “ Barclose,’’? where
the mound is thickly planted with trees, and near the locality
where quantities of animal bones had once been found.!. Here we
made a considerable opening, cutting our trench or tunnel many
yards into the centre, and at such an incline downwards that we
reached at length the original level of the ground, which proved
to be a stiff clay soil of a deep red colour.2, (We subsequently ex-
amined the soil of the meadow adjoining, and at about two feet
below the turf found it to be of a similar clay, though in that spot
scarcely so stiff.) This excavation occupied our labourers the
greater part of two days, but it proved wholly unremunerative, as
we disinterred nothing but the chalky rubble of which the whole
of the mound was made; not a bone, not a fragment of pottery,
nor even of sarsen.
REsULts.
Our workmen had now been carrying on the excavations for a
week, and we had examined all the spots of special interest, so that
it was time to bring our labours to a close: but it was with no
little reluctance we gave directions to desist, and fill in all the holes ©
and trenches we had made. For although we had found no hidden
treasures, and made no fresh discoveries, the result of our work
was on the whole highly satisfactory to us: for we considered we had
fairly settled the question mooted by Mr. Fergusson, but which
neither of us ever entertained for one moment, that Avebury was
a vast grave-yard, and that human bones would be disinterred, if
search were made.
We had made excavations in fourteen different spots within the
area, some of them of no trifling dimensions, but not one single
human bone had we found: quantities of bones of the sheep, the
horse, the ox, we had disinterred, many of which, not far from
pe eee
1Stukeley’s Abury, p. 27.
? This clay is probably ‘‘loess,”’ or a local drift,
om
a Excavations at Avebury. 215
the surface, were of comparatively recent date: glass and pottery
too, near the surface, told their tale of modern times; but
the fragments of pottery which we brought to light from
our deeper cuttings were invariably of the British type. Thus
we flatter ourselves that our exertions have not been thrown
away: we trust we have once for all disposed of the novel theory
as to the great charnel house of the ancient Britons; while on the
other hand we have unmistakeably proved the sites of several of
the most important stones long since broken up, and carried away :
and we have probed the great surrounding embankment to its very
core, laying bare the original surface, and closely examining all
the materials of which it is composed.
We also found three stones not mentioned by recent writers.
Ten yards to the east of the standing stone, nearest on the left
hand side of the south entrance to Avebury, is a stone, which is
not laid down in Hoare’s map. The dry summer of 1864, and the
heat of some part of 1865, had killed the turf over the stone, and
it now shows above the surface. Twenty yards in anorth westerly
direction from the next standing stone, (“‘ m” in the map) another
stone may be found under the turf, and ten yards again from this
is yet another.
It is most probable that others may in a similar manner, lie con-
cealed beneath the turf in other parts of the temple. They should
be sought for, and laid down on the map.
It is a somewhat curious coincidence that scarcely had our
explorations at Avebury been brought to a close, and before it had
been possible to prepare any record of them, a brisk correspondence
took place in the pages of the Atheneum (though it did not meet
_my eye at the time), between Mr. Fergusson and Sir John Lubbock,
Professor Tyndal and others, on the object of Avebury and on the
Roman road and its connection with Silbury, wherein Mr.
Fergusson in his first letter dated December 23rd, 1865, repeats
his opinion “that Avebury was a burial place, and that Silbury
Hill was situated on the Roman road, and was therefore post
Roman;” and he continnes, “one great object I have in view is
—
216 Excavations at Avebury. ~ x
to attract the attention of local antiquaries to the subject, as it is
mainly on them that the proof or disproof of these views must
rest. Above all, it is in the hope that some diggings may, before
long, be undertaken at Avebury. If I am not very much mis-
taken, two of Arthur’s generals of division lie buried, one in each
of the stone circles inside the inclosure: and that the ‘menu
peuple’ who fell in the fray are laid beneath the so-called ‘ val-
lum,’ which however is nothing but a long barrow of circular
shape. There I feel convinced their remains, it may be only their
ashes, will be found, whenever they are looked for.”
Again in a subsequent letter, (Atheneum, January 27th, 1866)
Mr. Fergusson writes, ‘‘ I hope the Members of the Wilts Archeo-
logical Society and other local antiquaries will perceive that a
distinct issue has been raiged, which may either wholly, or at least
in part be settled by diggings at Avebury, by a survey of the
ground round Silbury Hill, &c.;” and he adds, “In conclusion
allow me to express a hope that these several explorations may be.
undertaken before next winter comes on, and thus this much
mooted question be finally set at rest: what the result must be I
have the most perfect confidence.”
In reply to this challenge, I need only add that what Mr.
Fergusson here calls upon our Society to do, in digging at Avebury,
it had, even when he wrote, though of course unknown to him, just
accomplished, as detailed above: and the result was the exact
opposite to that which he anticipated; while with regard to the theory
that Silbury is post Roman, as situated on the Roman road, I will
occupy no further space than by referring to my arguments on
that subject, stated somewhat fully in my paper on Silbury in the
7th Volume of the Magazine pp. 145—191: as well as to the
corroborative testimony and additional reasons adduced by Sir
John Lubbock (Atheneum Jan. 6th, 1866, et seq.) and Professor
Tyndall. (Atheneum, Feb. 17th. 1866.)
. ALFRED CHaARLEs SMITH.
Yatesburu Rectory, Calne, ,
June, 1866.
Serena ea aires a
™”% O17
Aonations to the Ausenm and Library.
The Council of the Society have the pleasure of acknowledging the following
Donations to the Museum and Library.
By the Rev. James Henry Hvueues, Surat :—Supplemental Descriptive
Catalogue of ancient Scottish seals, from A.D. 1150 to the 18th century.
Edinburgh: Edminstow & Douglas, 1866, 4to.
By W. G. Evererrt, Esq., M.D.:—A Portrait in oil, of a Town Clerk of Devizes,
CHetherell Bequest.
The Council also have the satisfaction of announcing, that they
have received from the Executors of the late Mrs. Wetherell, a
very valuable bequest of Cabinets, Minerals, Fossils, and Books on
Geological and Mineralogical subjects.
The following is an
‘Extract from the Will of Mrs. Ann Wetherell, of Harrow
Weald Lodge, in the county of Middlesex, widow and relict
of the Rev. Robert Wetherell, late Prebendary of Hereford,
and Rector of Newnton Longville in the county of Bucking-
ham, deceased, who died on the 28th April, 1866.
*‘ Also I give and bequeath to my said Executors in trust, for the use and
purposes of the Public Institution at Devizes, called the Wilts Archeological
and Natural History Society, my four small mahogany Cabinets or sets of
drawers and my two small sets of drawers contained in the deal painted book-
case in my Library (making six in the whole,) and a large mahogany box,
together with all the Fossils and geological specimens therein and elsewhere in
my house, whether packed in boxes or drawers, or on my chimney pieces and
Book-case or otherwise disposed of (except those herein given to Mrs. Elizabeth
Calverley.) And I desire that Institution may be informed of this bequest and
may send a competent person to pack and take them away after my death.
And I direct that the several articles hereinbefore bequeathed to, or in trust
for the several Institutions and Colleges, hereinbefore mentioned, shall be de-
livered to the respective Heads or Managers or Treasurers of such respective
Institutions and Colleges, whose receipt shall be a good discharge to my
Executors for the same.”
Extract from third Codicil to the above-mentioned Will.
**T bequeath to the Wilts Archeological and Natural History Society at
Devizes, all my Mineralogical, Geological, and Fossil books, bound and unbound,
with ‘Whitehurst on the Earth,’ 1 vol. quarto; and ‘ Buckland’s Organic
ains,’ 1 vol. quarto.”
Mrs. Wetherell was a lady of Wiltshire family, the sister of the
late Sergeant Merewether, and of the late Dean of Hereford, so
.
218 | Wetherell Bequest.
distinguished for his learning and archeological taste; an aunt
also to the Recorder of Devizes. Her pursuits had always been
connected with Natural History, and the valuable collection now
in the possession of the Society is the result of the labours and
investigation, of many years. Particulars of the bequest will
appear as soon as the Curator can prepare a statement. In the
mean time it may be stated, that the cabinets are of mahogany,
elegantly fitted up, and contain sixty-four drawers. These are
full, indeed over crowded, with Geological and Mineralogical
specimens, which in number must amount to at least six thousand.
Among the minerals are a few gems, and a variety of marbles,
jaspers, &c., many of them polished, and chiefly illustrative of the
British rocks. The fossils are principally from Wilts, Berks, and
other adjacent counties. Many of them are rare and valuable. There
is an interesting series of Tertiary fossils, but it is in illustrations
of the more important strata of this county that the drawers are
richest. The Cretaceous fossils are not so numerous as some others,
but this is less to be regretted as the Society already possesses
good specimens presented by the late Col. Olivier. Of Oolitic fos-
sils there is a fine collection, particularly from the neighbourhood
of Calne. The Coral-rag specimens are remarkably fine, and can-
not probably be surpassed by any English collection. The fossils
from the Kimmeridge and Oxford clays, and from the Kelloway-
rock are very good, and though not belonging to Wiltshire, there
are some silurian Specimens from Dudley, of considerable value.
The general condition of the collection is excellent, but it will be
necessary to pick out some few pyritous specimens which are doing
mischief by decomposition; and the arrangement of the drawers
is somewhat confused, owing to overcrowding, the collection having
outgrown the capabilities of the cabinets. With further extension
of cabinet room, and by the exclusion of some few duplicates, the
arrangement may be made complete, and the collection will afford
an excellent illustration of the geology of the British strata.
Among the books are works on Geology and Mineralogy, by
Lyell, Morris, Buckland, Mantell, Jameson, Phillips, Bakewell,
Kidd, and Parkinson.
H, BULL, Printer and Publisher, Deyizes.
THE
WILTSHIRE
Arehenlogial od Hotural Bistory
MAGAZINE.
No. XXX. JULY, 1867. Vou. X.
Contents,
PAGE
Account oF THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING, AT DEvizEs, 19th
DECEMBER, 1866,—and REPORT....... 1. eee ee eee eee eee ee 219-221
On tHE Recent Discovery oF Frint IMPLEMENTS IN THE DRIFT OF
THE VALLEY oF THE Avon: By H. P. Blackmore, Hsq., M.D. .... 221-233
On InsTRUCTIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF A WILTSHIRE HERBARIUM:
. By T. B. Flower, Hsq., M.R.C.S., F.L.S., &., &. 0.0... .....08, 233-236
On BisHopstone CuurcH: By the Rev. Precentor Lear, M.A....... 236-239
On TreRuUMBER’s CHANTRY AT TROWBRIDGE: WITH A CoPY OF THE
Ortetnat Deep or Endowment, A.D. 1483: By the Rev. W. H.
MIN GA Nd we cate rent es Che Loe eee Ot ee 240-252
On Ancrent CHapets, &c., In Co. Witts: By the Rev.J.E.Jackson,
RRM tel as>-, > rH Wie ts, doaid shes w<ohdbe® viccaizaca LPSin Sreehele fel gead evelare- cigs 253-322
On Some Oxp Coppers: By the Rev. Edward Peacock, M.A........ 323-327
BeESHER Tr ORIG. PTBROM cs cuits st sacs aes ces Celtics ccceeea cece 327
PMRLITEIS Po Scheer e Rass aisieis! «io sie siuiboiets sive eve cede siea 328
NIN ahi ad) iniacsia 2,01 oh aap aM iss, olen ee. a HOM ova coke ainsi quae 328
‘ DEVIZES:
Henry Bott, Saint Jonn Srreet.
LONDON:
Bett & Datpy, 186, Fizer Street; J. R. Surru, 36, Sono Sauare.
ai Waa » i sat
lain faith is. e
$n V9 ae EN ery
ee bode ah ks. Lye AJn 2
—e -
at |
a are 3
‘ “3
a
i9
4
é '
.
nS
3
, AF,
’
4 4
rane 4 \- - = i
ee
“*
$Y Sets"
: 4 -
tea 7
‘ \ ae tu a iO hiaia
™ ro at ait vhbe aM +2 Tea ie
pe '
de,
VG: t"
Pe
WILTSHIRE MAGAZINE.
‘¢ MULTORUM MANIBUS GRANDE LEVATUR ONUS.”— Ovid.
THE THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE
Wiltshire Archeological and Natural Mistory Society,
“ HELD AT THE TOWN HALL DEVIZES,
Wednesday 19th December, 1866.
CHAIRMAN,
Wittram Ewart, Ese., M.P.
=ZHE Annual Meeting for receiving the Report, electing the
ZyS Officers, and transacting the necessary business of the
Society, was held in Devizes, in December, in lieu of the General
Meeting, which for reasons given below, was postponed till next
year.
An opportunity was at the same time afforded for the public
acknowledgement of the valuable collection lately bequeathed to
the Society under the will of the late Mrs. Wetherell, and some
time was occupied in inspecting these beautiful specimens of fossils
and minerals.
Mr. Ewart then called upon the Secretaries to read the Report,
which was done as follows :—
“The Committee of the Wiltshire Archexological and Natural
History Society once more begs to offer to the members of the
Society a brief report of its progress since this time last year. The
Society has suffered during the past twelve-months many losses by
death: some of its earliest members having been taken from us since
we last assembled. The work of the Society has been gradually
_ developing, new subjects of information opening out in several quar-
; ters, and that which your Committee especially hails with satisfac-
tion, new contributors to the pages of the Magazine, appearing in
VOL. X.—NO. XXX. Q
4
220 The Thirteenth Annual Meeting.
the volume now in preparation. With regard to that publication,
the second number for the current year will, it is hoped, be in the
hands of members in the course of a few days; and a considerable
amount of material is ready for the succeeding number, which will
be immediately begun, and will complete the 10th volume. But
the Society has not confined its labours since the last annual meeting,
to publication only. Researches which, it is believed, are import-
ant in their results, have been made at Avebury, under the imme-
diate direction of its Secretaries, the details of which will appear in
the Magazine. In regard to the state of our finances, the Com-
mittee is enabled to make a highly satisfactory report; the greater
part of the arrears are now collected, and the balance in hand,
after all outstanding accounts are paid, amounts to about £180.
It had been the intention, as we believe is generally known, to hold
the General Annual Meeting at Chippenham this autumn, but for
certain cogent reasons, arising in part from the unavoidable pre-
occupation of those on whom the arrangements for such a meeting
usually devolve, and partly from the unwillingness of the Com-
mittee to exhaust tae Archeological appetite of its members with
too frequent meetings for antiquarian purposes; it was determined
to let the admirable Congress held at Salisbury in the autumn of
1865 do duty for two years, and postpone the Chippenham Congress
to the summer or autumn of 1867, when your Committee antici-
pates a full and very interesting meeting.”
Mr. Cunnineton then gave a brief report of the bequest lately
made to the Society by Mrs. Wetherell, for which see the last
number of the Wiltshire Magazine, page 217.
On the motion of C. Darsy Grirriru, Esq., M.P., the Report
was unanimously adopted.
The meeting then proceeded to elect the officers of the Society
for the ensuing year.
The Treasurer, F. A. 8. Locke, Esq., was re-elected.
The Secretaries, the Rev. A. C. Smith and Mr. Cunnington,
were re-elected.
The following Local Secretaries were re-elected :—G. Alexander,
Esq., Westrop House, Highworth; N. Jarvis Highmore, Esq.,
aa hn
On the Recent Discovery of Flint Implements. 221
M.D., Bradford on Avon; T. B. Merriman, Esq., Marlborough ;
F. Morgan, Esq., Warminster; J. E. Nightingale, Esq., Wilton ;
~ Rev. W. ©. Plenderleath, Cherhill Rectory, Calne; E. T. Stevens,
Esq., Salisbury; H. J. F. Swayne, Esq., Netherhampton House,
Salisbury; Rev. E. Wilton, West Lavington, Devizes.
The Rev. C. Barnwell was elected as Honorary Local Secretary
- for Melksham, in the place of G. L. Kenrick, Esq., who has left.
The Council were elected as follows:—W. Ewart, Esq., M.P.;
Rev. W. H. Teale; Mr. Merewether; Mr. Brown, Blacklands
Park ; Rev. W. Ewart; Rev. W. H. Jones; Mr. Meek ; Mr. Coward ;
Dr. Thurnham ; Mr. Wittey; Mr. T. B. Anstie; Dr. Meeres.
The Rev. J. Daubeny, The Palace, Salisbury; The Rev. C.
Barnwell, Melksham; and Dr. Meeres of Melksham, were elected
Members of the Society. A vote of thanks to the Chairman con-
cluded the proceedings. at.
&
ns,
+. >.
ee
Recent Discovery of Flint Amplements in the
Drift of the Galley of the Abon,
By H. P. Buacxmorz, M.D.
Read at the Annual Meeting, at Salisbury, September 13th, 1865.
2HE term “ Drift’ has been loosely applied to the various
; scattered patches of sand, gravel,.and clay, which are often
found occupying the sloping hill-sides of the present river valleys,
more especially in the south of England.
_ During the last few years additional interest has been attached to
these drift beds, from the discovery in them of certain chipped flints,
the human origin of which has been doubted both by geologists and
archeologists. Indeed so rudely fashioned are some examples,
_ that many geologists have questioned their human workmanship ;
_ whilst on the other hand, certain antiquaries have readily admitted
_ this fact, but failed to appreciate the age and geological position of
the deposits in which they occur. Hence have ensued many warm
: Q2
222 On the Recent Discovery of Flint Implements
discussions on this border land, where archeology and geology
naturally meet.
A careful examination of a good series such as may be seen in
the Christy or Blackmore Museums, or in the private collections
of Mr. John Evans, Mr. J. W. Flower, or Mr. J. Wyatt of Bedford,
would speedily convince any unprejudiced person, at all conversant
with the natural fracture of flint, that these objects bear evidence
of design, and are the result of man’s forethought and skill. Before
however noticing these implements, it will be interesting to offer
a few remarks upon the drift in the immediate vicinity of Salisbury.
The brick-earth of Fisherton has long been known to geologists,
a paper having been read by Sir Charles Lyell before the Geological
Society of London as early as the year 1827. In 1854 the deposit
was more fully described by Mr. Prestwich, and a careful list of the
land and fresh-water shells was added by the late Mr. John Brown
of Stanway. (Jcurn. of Geolog. Soc. vol. xi.) Fisherton was also
noticed by Mr. Cunnington in a valuable paper on the “‘ Mammalian
Drift of Wilts.,”” which appeared in the 4th vol. of the Society’s
Magazine. And more recently in 1864, my friend Mr. John Evans
accompanied his excellent account of the discovery of flint im-
plements, with a greatly extended list of the Shells and Mammalian
remains. This geological notoriety is well deserved, for no
single spot in England has as yet produced so great a variety
or so important a fauna as Fisherton; indeed remains of the
spermophiles and lemmings have not as yet been found elsewhere
in the drift of this country.! Other deposits of brick-earth and
drift gravel occur in scattered patches along the whole course of the
river Avon and its tributary streams, it will however be only
1The late Dr. Falconer identified, amongst the fossils from the Mendip Caverns
in the Williams collection, two lower jaws of a species of Spermophilus which
he named S. erythrogenoides. I have not had an opportunity of examining
these fossils, but think it probable they may prove the same as that described by
Professor Kaup under the name of S, superciliosus. During the autumn of
this year, Mr. J, W. Flower obtained from Wokey Hole the teeth and bones of
many small rodents, which he kindly sent me for examination, amongst them
I was pleased to find numerous remains of the Ringed Lemming Lemmustorquatus.
Both these discoveries however are in Caves, the exact geological age of which it
is always difficult to determine.
Shed inn
in the Drift of the Valley of the Avon. 223
necessary to enumerate those spots at which flint implements
have already been discovered ; but it should be borne in mind that
these implements probably exist in the valley wherever gravel and
clay of this age occurs, but from various accidental circumstances
have not yet been brought to light by the diligent search of the
geologist. Even since this was written, Ringwood has by the per-
severing industry and zeal of Mr. James Brown of Salisbury, been
communicated to me as a fresh locality for flint implements. Com-
mencing at the village of Lake! where the higher level gravel has
afforded several very characteristic implements, they can be traced
down the valley in similar deposits at Bemerton, Highfield, Milford
Hill, Britford, Ashford and Ringwood, extending in the adjoining
gravels at Bournemouth and Hill Head, over an area of about
40 miles in length.
The scattered drift deposits are best classified according to the
relative heights at which they stand above the level of the present
rivers; it is found that they arrange themselves into three distinct
groups, and consequently have belonged to different periods of
_ time. The highest are represented by the gravels of Lake, Bem-
erton, Milford Hill, Britford, Ashford, &c.; the middle period
by the large deposit of brick-earth at Fisherton; and the third
by the gravel which is spread evenly over the bottom of the
valleys of the Avon, Nadder, and Bourne.
; The gravel of Milford Hill may be taken as a remarkably good
representative of the deposits of the higher level age. It is com-
posed of the ordinary sub-angular chalk-flints, a rather large per
_ centage of fragments of green-sand chert, a few well rolled tertiary
pebbies,and some small blocks of saccharoid sandstone, also of tertiary
origin. These materials are blended together, with a variable
proportion of sand and stiff clay, and are stained pretty uniformly
_ of a dark ferruginous colour. Many of the chalk-flints are of large
F. size, with sharp well-defined angles, and present scarcely any
- marks of violent rolling or water wearing. Milford Hill is a low
_ chalk spur placed immediately above the point where the Avon
es eae ae eee ee ee
_ 1This interesting discovery at Lake was made by Mr, Tiffin, Jun., during
the Autumn of last year.
224 On the Recent Discovery of Flint Implements
joins a small stream called the Bourne, and forms a kind of
buttress which separates the two valleys. It is however separated
from the main tract of high land by a transverse depression
about 80 feet in depth, so that it forms an isolated hill en-
tirely disconnected by valleys of greater or lesser depth, from
any high ground. From this peculiar conformation it will
be evident that when the gravel was deposited on Milford
Hill, the ancient river would during the variations of its course
have extended from Laverstock Hill on the east, to Harnham
Hill on the west, a distance of about two miles. The drift at
Milford completely invests the summit of the bill, is thickest at the
top, where it attains a depth of from 10 to 12 feet, thins out gradually
on the sides, and ceases altogether rather more than half-way
down. It is quite free from anything like stratification, rests
unconformably on the chalk, running down in many places into
shallow pot holes. As measured by the aneroid, it is about 100
feet above the present level of the river Avon. In many
places there is at the base of the compact gravel, resting upon
the chalk, an irregular deposit of pale fawn-coloured chalk-
rubble, which contains a small admixture of flint gravel, but
no organic remains, Some few years since, a good section of
this drift was exposed on the south-eastern side of the hill ina
cutting made for the London and South Western Railway; and
here near the base of the gravel, a narrow seam of loose light
coloured sand containing shells was discovered. The shells in this
one spot existed in the greatest abundance, and although ex-
tremely friable were generally unbroken. They consisted prin-
cipally of Helix hispida in all stages of its growth, a few
specimens of Helx arbustorum and a single individual of Zuwa
subcylindrica. All these shells are terrestial, and in every way
agree with examples of the same species still living in the
adjacent fields. With the single exception of a fragment of
an upper molar tooth of a species of Hguus, no bones or mammalian
remains have as yet been discovered, either at Milford Hill or
any high level gravel in this neighbourhood. At no other point
in the gravel has any seam of sand containing shells been
; in the Drift of the Valley of the Avon. 225
found, although diligent search has been made at every fresh
opening.
When we consider that nearly all the drift gravel has been
derived from the chalk, and remark the comparatively few bands
of flint nodules which it contains, we feel it is impossible to
form an adequate notion of the immense bulk of chalk which
must have been denuded and disintegrated, to produce these large
accumulations of flint gravel.
One is often asked how many years old these gravels are? A
question that can at present only be answered relatively. We can
with tolerable certainty say one set of gravels is older than another,
but no exact data exist by which any given thickness of deposit
can at once be reduced to an equivalent in years. Many of the
forces in operation would alter materially in the different periods,
aud what might be true for one would be false for another. For
instance, it is provable that during these periods considerable
alteration in the relative level of the surrounding country occurred,
yet any such change must have been very gradual, as the
regular stratification of the chalk hills is undisturbed, and shows
no trace of any sudden upheaval or depression. Again, if we
examine the composition of the deposits, it is evident that the
physical conditions under which the higher level gravels were
deposited, differed considerably from: those of the subsequent beds.
The large angular flints and the blocks of saccharoid sandstone were
probably attached to masses of ice, and thus lightened would easily
float into their present position ; whilst the absence of anything like
stratification and the very mixed character of the deposit, proves
that these various materials were roughly jumbled together.
Hence we conclude the high level gravels are the result of tor-
rential action during a period of great cold. This turbulent period
was succeeded by one of comparative tranquillity, when the
great mass of the brick-earth at Fisherton was brought down the
valley in the shape of mud and sand: even then the temperature
__was sufficiently cold to float the few large blocks of sandstone that
_ are found irregularly scattered through the clay. The highest.
level gravels are almost destitute of organic remains ; Paleontology
226 On the Recent Discovery of Flint Implements
can therefore throw but little light upon the state of our
county during that period. This page in the book of nature is a
blank—partly from the probable manner of its formation, but
much more so from the loose porous character of the deposit
which is unfavourable for the preservation of organic structures.
On the other hand, the fine soft mud of the Fisherton brick-fields,
embalmed, and bears most interesting record of the many strange
wild creatures which formerly inhabited our peaceful valleys, and
roamed over our chalk downs. |
That the Fisherton brick-earth was deposited in comparatively
tranquil water is abundantly testified by its semistratified character,
and also by the presence of a number of freshwater and land shells
as seen in the subjoined list.
FRESH-WATER SHELLS. Lanp SHELLS.
Ancylus fluviatilis. Succinea putris,
Lymnea truncatula. » elegans.
» palustris, * 4, oblonga.
»> limosa. Helix arbustorum.
Planorbis spirobis. 5) nemoralis.
» earinatus. » pygmea.
Bithynia tentaculata, », pulchella,
Valvata piscinalis, », rufescens.
Pisidium amnicum. »» hispida.
i pulchellum. mr do., var. concinna
no do., yar. (Jenyns.) » rotundata,
"1 pusillum. » fulva.
5} obtusale Zonites radiatulus.
Pupa muscorum.
Zua subcylindrica.
Carychium minimum,
Acme lineata.
Limax agrestis.
* This is the only Shell not now found in this neighbourhood.
Many of these shells are extremely fragile, and yet they are
found in a beautifully perfect condition, the very valves of the
delicate little Pisidia remaining unseparated, although the con-
necting hinge ligament had, from the great lapse of time, long
1The nomenclature in this list has been adopted from Reeve’s ‘‘ Land and
Freshwater Mollusks,” 1863, in order that it may accord with the catalogue of
Wiltshire shells, by the Rey. J. E. Vize, in vol. i of the Wiltshire Magazine.
in the Drift of the Valley of the Avon. 227
since perished. Again, what more typical emblem of fragility
than an egg shell, still we find fragments of bird’s eggs carefully
preserved even indicating the position in which they sank to the
bottom and rested for countless years, until brought to light by
the restless hand of science.
Not only do the fossil remains bear witness of the manner in
which the clay was formed, but an examination of the mammalian
Fauna strongly corroborates the statement, that the climate of our
island then resembled that of the Arctic Regions of the present
day. Hence there is nothing strange or unaccountable in the pre-
sence of the Reindeer, Musk Ox,! Ringed Lemming, Marmot, the
Woolly-coated Mammoth and Rhinoceros, creatures all peculiarly
adapted for a cold climate.
The fluviatile origin of these drift deposits and the idea of the
former existence of rivers of such magnitude, may appear to many
persons as at best, a mere speculation just within the limits of possi-
bility, but far too bold to admit of anything like definite proof.
Let us then briefly enquire how far facts accord with the proposed
-explanation, and for the sake of convenience let us examine the
deposits situated between the two ranges of chalk hills, having
Harnham on the south, and the Devizes road on the north.
Between these two points the chalk valley is partially filled up with
| various admixtures of gravel, sand, and clay ; the gravel is spread
_ over the central position ; sand and numerous small fragments of
_ rolled chalk predominate on the south, whilst the clay and brick-
earth is chiefly found on the north side, in some parts attaining
the thickness of nearly 30 feet; an excellent section of this clay is
exposed in the pits worked by Mr. Harding and by Mr. Baker.
_ At the present day streams flowing over soft soils (or even hard
rocks,) are constantly wearing away more or less, sand, mud,
and stones; any cause which impedes the current, such as banks,
curves in the river, &c., favors the deposition of the mud, sand,
or those materials which are comparatively light. It is clear then
1The Musk Ox has not as yet been discovered at Fisherton, its presence as a
fossil in our Wiltshire drift, has however been elsewhere recorded by Mr.
Cunnington. Wilts. Mag: vol. iy.
228 On the Recent Discovery of Flint Implements
that we ought to be able to point out the direction of the current
of the ancient river, and also a sufficient obstacle to account for the
still water on the north bank.
A single glance at the position of the hill ranges will show,
that a stream of water flowing down the valley of the Nadder
from Wilton, will wash the base of the chalk and meet with the
first impediment to its progress in the curve of the hill at East
Harnham : the check thus produced would be but slight as compared
to that it would experience by encountering a volume of water of
greater velocity coming from the valley of the Avon. Then again
the elevated wedge shaped ridge of chalk at Fisherton would act
much in ths same way as the central column of a double arched
bridge, behind which accumulates asmall heap of mud and sand.
Here then is substantial proof of the causes which must have
produced still water, and its concomitant mud on the north side of
the valley, and a brisk current, with but little deposit, on the south
bank.
In like manner a careful examination will show the probable cur-
rents and directions of the old representatives of the Avon,
Nadder, Wiley and Bourne, throughout the entire length of their
courses.
As affording an excellent illustration of the eroding action of
water, attention is particularly directed to the manner in which the
curved outline of the chalk hills has been altered and worn away
precisely at those points which offered the most resistance to the
onward flow of a body of water, this is perhaps nowhere so well
shown asin the valley of the Avon between the villages of Stratford
and Amesbury, particularly at Durnford and Heale. Here it is
most marked and indicates that the stream flowed in one direction
only.
Of the third class or low level gravels, I shall say nothing
further than that up to the present time no implements, and but
very few organic remains have been found in them near Salisbury,
although a large quantity of this gravel has been dug for road
purposes, and most careful search has been made both by myself
and other geologists. On the Continent and other parts of
in the Drift of the Valley of the Avon. 229
England, as for instance at Bury St. Edmund, these same low
level gravels have proved very productive of flint implements.
But to return to these very interesting objects, the flint imple-
ments themselves, they have been found in Wiltshire chiefly in
the high level gravels of ,the various places before enumerated,
sparingly in some, more abundantly at others, especially at
Milford Hill, which in productiveness has rivalled some of the
most celebrated Continental localities. They are found occupy-
ing various levels in the gravel, some at but a few feet from
the surface, others occur in a middle position, whilst perhaps
the greatest number are found near the base of the deposit,
a few absolutely resting in the pale fawn coloured chalk rubble
immediately above the undisturbed chalk. The implements form
part and parcel of the gravel and are stained and water-worn
in the same manner as the unworked flints: in no instance has
there been observed the slightest indication of any~ excavation
or disturbance of the gravel subsequent to its first deposition.
During the excavations on Milford Hill, very many worked flints
-were seen absolutely ‘‘in situ,” a fact we owe to the great interest
and most laudable industry exhibited by many collectors, but more
especially to the individual researches of Mr. James Brown and
Mr. Wheaton.
The surface of the weapons varies considerably: the majority
are water-worn and show evident traces of having travelled
some distance in very rough company, bearing marks of many
a hard knock and jostle by the way; others have the angles of
the chippings as sharp and well preserved as if they were made
but yesterday. Some are stained of a deep yellow colour, others
only partially so, and some not at all. It is remarkable that
this staining does not appear to be due to their present position
in the gravel, some of the darkest specimens have been dug
out of the pale chalk rubble, side by side with fragments of
flint retaining its original hue: and on the other hand, perfectly
unstained examples have been obtained from the dark ochreous
gravel. Nearly all present a greater or less amount of dendritic
markings due to the peculiar form which the mixed oxides of Iron
230 On the Recent Discovery of Flint Implements
and Manganese, assume in the process of crystalization; very many
have also a slight incrustation of Carbonate of Lime on the lower
or under surface.
The implements or weapons of the drift period are without ex-
ception formed by chipping alone; there is no indication of any
attempt at polishing or rubbing down the sharp angles, a
practice which was almost the rule during a subsequent stone
period. Chipping was apparently the only idea of this primitive
age. The result of this mode of manufacture in the immediate
neighbourhood is shown, by the presence of unrolled imple-
ments, and by a large number of the rough chippings or
“‘waste flakes,’ such as of necessity must have been produced in
the process of making the finished weapons. These rough flakings
appeal but little to the uneducated eye, yet from the peculiar
fracture of flint an expert can always tell the direction in which a
blow was struck to remove a flake from a mass of flint. By
carefully examining these flakes, a slight swelling or “ bulb of per-
cussion” can generally be detected, indicating the point at which
the blow was given to detach each piece from the core or nucleus
of flint.
Besides these ‘‘ waste flakes” others occur evidently made with
a preconceived design ; they are more definite in their form, flat or
slightly concave on one side, and present a greater or less number
of facets on the other. This proves that one surface of the flint
was trimmed into shape before the last blow which separated the
flake from the parent block was given. A well marked “bulb of
percussion” on the flat side, indicates the point at which this
blow was struck. Some others are sharp pointed and triangular
in form, and might have been used as heads for darts or arrows ;
more likely the former, as the bow and arrow was probably a later
invention.
Intermediate between the simple flakes and the more finished
implements, are a class of objects almost identical in form with
certain “skin-scrapers” from the bone caves of France, especially
from Le Moustier, Dordogne. They somewhat resemble large
waste flakes, but have been carefully chipped on one side to a blunt
in the Drift of the Valley of the Avon. 231
edge, so as easily to scrape off the subcutaneous fat they were pro-
bably intended to remove. It is interesting to note that this
peculiar shape of skin-scraper may be traced down to a much
later period—they occur amongst the worked flints from the sur-
face at Yorkshire and other parts of England, examples of which
may be seen in the Blackmore Museum. The implements hitherto
found in the drift (disregarding the flakes), have been classed by
Mr. Evans under two heads, viz.; the pointed or spear-head form,
and the oval. The first class is of an elongated, somewhat spear-
head shape, and naturally falls into two sub-divisions.
A. Those having one end either unworked or purposely trimmed
into a thick butt, giving in fact a pear-shaped form. In some cases
a smooth rounded nodule of flint has been selected and the original
crust carefully preserved; in other instances the same want has
been admirably supplied by a weil worn Eocene pebble. These
specimens were in all probability used in the hand unmounted,
whilst the spear-head type would have been much more useful
when attached to the end of a stout stick.
B. Those chipped rather thin at the less pointed extremity: a
form which often gradually passes into the oval type.
In the second class the flints are usually thin, convex on both
sides, and chipped to a tolerable cutting edge all round: this type
and the broad worked flakes, are more characteristic of the low
than of the high level gravels.
It must not be supposed that these types are always distinct and
well defined; much appears to have depended upon the natural
form and adaptability of the flint selected, much doubtless to the
purpose each was intended to serve.
The weapons and tools of Sir John Lubbock’s “ neolithic ”’ or later
stone period, although often manufactured from flint, are more
frequently made from various other hard stones of the localities in
which they occur, such as Syenite, greenstone, clay-slate, &e. ;
this however is not the case with the drift implements, which are
almost without exception, made from flints derived directly from
the chalk. Milford Hill has proved a slight exception to this
general rule, a small oval specimen from this locality being com-
232 On the Recent Discovery of Flint Implements
posed of coarse green-sand chert. This kind of chert is more
tough, although less easily worked than flint; and hence probably
compensated by this quality for the additional trouble required to
chip it into shape.
The size of these implements offers almost as great a variation
as their form. The smallest pointed example from Highfield near
Salisbury, measures rather less than 22 inches in length, whilst
the largest from Milford Hill is 83, and another specimen from
the same locality which has unfortunately lost its point, would
when perfect, have measured at least nine inches ;' but by far the
most common form is only half this size.
The workmanship in many cases is excellent, the weapons being
formed by the skilful chipping off of a very great number of small
flakes, a process which gives a symmetry of outline and a strength
of body attainable by none but well practised hands. In looking
over a large series however, one has frequently noticed the few bold
strokes which have been sufficient to form implements evidently
intended for some temporary use. Mere rudeness of workmanship
is of course not sufficient to condemn these as accidental forms, the
evidence of design, indicating the adaptation of a given stone to a
certain definite purpose, is the point which stamps these rude efforts
as the result of human work, and human fore-thought.
But Mr. Evans has pointed out that if further evidence were
needed, the link would be found in the fact that many show traces
of actual wear, both in a blunting of the cutting edge, shown by
a number of fine chips, and also by a certain alteration of the
original shape, probably produced by the repointing of a broken
tool, which gives a stunted and peculiar form very like what is often
seen in the finely chipped and easily broken stone daggers of
Denmark.
There is also a point which affords a very strong argument in
favour of the peopling of this island by one race, or a series of
closely allied races, during an extended period of time. It is the
1 Mr. J. W. Flower has lately obtained from the gravel of Red Hill, Thetford,
a remarkably fine implement which measures 112 inches in length: this, I
believe, is the largest specimen hitherto discovered in the drift.
in the Drift of the Valley of the Avon. 233
fact that in all drift specimens there exists a marked general
resemblance, whether these implements were designed as useful
tools, or destructive weapons of war, or of the chase. This typical
likeness is quite independant of the locality from which they are
derived, and applies with equal force to those obtained from the
furthest removed French beds and the most northern deposits of
this country. And yet it is remarkable that in spite of this family
likeness, certain slight but well marked individual characters exist
in each separate locality, and may be observed even in spots so
near together as Milford Hill and Bemerton ; so much is this the
case, that on first seeing a newly discovered specimen, the site from
which it was obtained has been correctly assigned to it, from this
circumstance alone.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
—— formation of 2 Wiiltshive Herbarinm.
By Tuomas Bruczs Frower, M.R.C.S., F.L.8., &e., &e.
N a previous number of this Magazine (vol. iv., p. 191), it
was proposed to commence the formation of a “County
Herbarium” for future reference and study ; resident botanists were
particularly invited to collect and dry for the Society, duplicates of
such Wiltshire plants as they could conveniently spare, in order
that they might be preserved and deposited in the Museum. With
a view therefore of carrying out the above object, and for the
guidance of those botanists who might feel disposed to contribute
plants for permanent preservation in the herbarium of the Society,
the following explanatory suggestions, regarding the illustration
and labelling of specimens have now been drawn out.
The first object with any herbarium whether local or general,
should be to show the species. A fair typical specimen of each
species is the leading idea to be met, and it will very usually be
found needful to have more than one single specimen, because the
284 Instructions for the Formation of a Wiltshire Herbarium.
early, the flowering and the fruiting stages frequently differ much,
although it may often happen that two of these stages can be got
on a single plant at once.
The second object should be to show in some measure the range
of variation for the species, by adding abnormal forms or varieties
to the typical examples. It is too commonly the case that varieties
are neglected, instead of being carefully preserved. For instance,
one, ‘Fumaria capreolata,” might have been kept to show the
species; but lo! this species is now divided into numerous sub-
species, four of them held to be English; consequently one
specimen can show but one of them, while all may be found in the
same county.
A third object may be that of evidencing the localities for rare
species or remarkable varieties,’ and especially such as are likely
to become extinct in the localities, as for example, ‘‘ Carex tomen-
tosa,” ‘“Carduus tuberosus,” ‘‘C.Woodwardii.” Such specimens
in course of time become historical facts in our science.
Fourthly, the general range of the species in the county may be
shown by specimens from different and distant localities, in each of
the five comital sections into which Wiltshire has been divided, for
the better illustration of its Flora. The mode by which individual
members may each and all contribute to this object, is by sending
specimens of any Wiltshire plants—rare or common—from different
localities, with their habitats carefully recorded on accompanying
labels, in order that the Curator may select for permanent preserv-
ation such of these specimens and labels as shall seem best calcy-
lated to show the actual distribution of plants in the county, and
to throw light upon the circumstances which operate in determining
their distribution. The selection of the specimens will, of course,
be chiefly dependent upon the accuracy with which their habitats
may be described on the accompanying labels; reference, however,
being always made to those already in the herbarium, so as to
prevent the unnecessary accumulation of specimens which can throw
1 Darwin’s remarkable book, the ‘‘ Origin of Species,’ will render the preser-
vation of local varieties matter of enhanced importance to all classes of
naturalists,
:
k
By Thomas Bruges Flower, Esq. 235
no additional light on the subjects, for the elucidation of which
they are to be preserved. It would also be desirable to endeavour
to make a specimen serve two or more purposes. For instance,
say that you require specimens in three stages of growth, it may
occasionally be managed to make these three specimens also illus-
trate three localities or sections of the county.
Fifthly, Useful directions for the collecting and drying of plants
having been printed in “ Balfour’s Class Book of Botany,” it is
only necessary here to refer botanists to that work for ample in-
structions on those processes, unless it be added that nothing
perhaps conduces so much to the beauty and good preservation of
specimens, as the employment of an ample stock of paper. The
paper used for the process of drying plants should be moderately
absorbent, so as to take up the moisture of the plants, and at the
same time to dry rapidly after being used. That which is gener-
ally employed is Bentall’s, and is the best paper now made in
England.! The size recommended is eighteen inches long, by eleven
broad. If the paper be sufficiently porous for rapidly absorbing
the moisture of the plants, and sufficient in quantity for preventing
the dampness of one layer of them from extending to others, it
will commonly be found the best practice not to change the papers
until the specimens have become so dry as no longer to require
the pressure of weights on the boards.
Frequent changing of paper and the application of artificial heat
may prove needful in drying very succulent plants, but with plenty of
paper these processes may safely be looked upon as an unnecessary
waste of time, and they are often more injurious than beneficial to
the specimens themselves. In addition to the dried specimens for
fastening on paper, contributors are particularly requested to send
also small packets of the seeds of local and rare plants, when
opportunities occur for obtaining them; seeds often affording clear
characters for the discrimination of genera and species.
Lastly. It is trusted that the Contributors to the Herbarium will
‘find a recompense for their exertions in the gratification of learning
1 Bentall’s ‘‘ Botanical Drying Paper” can be obtained from the Agent, Mr,
‘Edward Newman, 9, Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate, London.
VOL. X.—NO. XXX, R
236 On Bishopstone Church.
thoroughly the botanical productions of their own Neighbourhoods,
and in the consciousness of that much of the information so
acquired, will become (through their contribution to the Society) a
permanent addition to the general stock of scientific knowledge, to
be transmitted to future generations.
On Bishopstone Church.
By the Rey. Precentor Lear.
Read before the Society at Bishopstone, September 15th, 1865.
=3HE church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Itisa
cruciform structure, almost a Greek cross, consisting of
chancel, transepts, and nave; with a sacristy at the north-east angle
of the chancel, and an external turret, communicating with the
chancel roof above, and sacristy below; andacentre tower. There
is a singular, and I believe, almost unique external building, the
details of which are very curious, attached to the end of the south
transept, which has been variously termed an almonry, lich-ward,
and tomb. I shall be glad if some of my archeological friends
can throw some light upon its former use. I cannot help thinking
myself, from close observation of the various details of this church,
that this building had no special uses, but was designed by its
architect to add beauty and originality to the south transept of the
church, both within and without. The chancel and transepts, the
sacristy, and the building mentioned above, are coeval. They are
highly decorated, and are of the date of Edward III. The stone
used in this building—the same as that of which our Cathedral is
built—comes from the Chilmark quarries, about twelve miles from
here. This material is very durable, as may be seen by the good
preservation of the building and the sharp angles, which have
suffered little from the 500 winters to which it has been exposed.
The walls of the nave, which are of inferior workmanship, are
rubble, in which much flint is used. The different details of the
church are very good and interesting, and to some of these I beg
to direct your particular attention. First, as regards the outside.
By the Rev. Precentor Lear. 237
The east window, of four lights, which is the double of the side
windows, though shortened and not so elegant in form, is highly
decorated, the tracery of a flamboyant character, the window arch
being slightly ogee-headed. This window, as well as that at the
end of the south transept, has above it a small triangular opening
in the roof, trifoliated with spherical sides. The ogee dripstones
of the windows are continued round these upper windows or
openings. The parapets of the chancel and south transept exhibit
some singular ornamental panelling in relief. The parapet of the
sacristy to the west is pierced and bold, in a part of the church
generally unobserved. The priest’s door, or chancel porch, is
highly ornamented, and almost unique. Its hood, or covering, is -
elegantly groined within, and the eccentric manner in which its
western side springs from the wall and buttress, is very remarkable.
The staircase turret at present terminates in a flat roof covered
with lead. This does not appear to be the original finish, as the
steps are carried up to the under side of the roof bearers. The
nave porch, which is large and ugly, and may some day, I hope,
' be superseded by a porch more worthy of this church, had a parvise
above it within the memory of man. The building which I have
already alluded to at the south end of the south transept is occupied
by two tombs of different date, which were moved into it by my pre-
decessor from the south transept, where they were lying north and
south. The nave, inside as well as outside, including the windows
which have no drip stones, and the flat roof, is of inferior design
and workmanship. The tower arches are plain, without capitals.
The arch opening to the south transept is smaller, of different form,
with a light in the wall above. The two transepts, formerly
chantry chapels, had each their altar; the niches and piscinas
remain. The windows of these transepts, with their moulded
joints and rich head tracery, are very beautiful. The two on the
eastern side, near the former altars, are more ornamented than
those to the west. The roof of the south transept is of stone,
having bold moulded ribs springing from sculptured corbels. It
has a low stone seat running along the western and southern walls.
On the west wall of the north transept is a monumental figure of
R 2
238 On Bishopstone Church.
the 17th century, and a large shield containing on it the arms of
the Vaughan family. At the north end of the north transept is a
fine bold arch within the wall, in the moulding of which the ball
flower ornament is thickly set. Beneath it are two stone coffins,
with incised crosses and letters upon one. It is traditionally termed
“The Founder’s Tomb.” Beneath this is a monumental stone
with a cross upon it, which was rescued from occupying the position
of a bridge in the parish, and restored to this church. At the end
of the south transept is an elaborate monument, designed by Pugin,
to the memory of a former much respected rector, the Rev. G. A.
Montgomery, who was a great and munificent benefactor to this
church and parish, who was suddenly removed from this life in
1842, an arch having fallen upon him in the unfinished church of
East Grafton, in the north of this county. The glass in the window
above the tomb was also erected to his memory. It was executed
by Wailes, of Newcastle, and is said to be copied from a church in
the city of York. Mr. Montgomery’s liberal bequests to the parish
are carved in the wall of this transept opposite his tomb. The
chancel is very large and grand for a simple parish church. It is
53 feet 9 inches long, by 17 feet 10 inches wide. It has a double
string course running round it; one of these 4 feet 8 inches from
the ground; the other higher, taking in the windows. The roof
is similar to that of the south transept. The easternmost bay,
exhibits on its sculptured bosses the evangelistic symbols surrounding
the coronation of the Blessed Virgin, in all probability immediately
above the site of the old altar. The 8 sedilia are large, much orna-
mented, and in good preservation. The treatment of the two side
windows to the east is worthy of observation. The one on the
south, stopped by the sedilia inside, is carried down in stone in full
at the outside of the church. The one on the north, stopped by
the sacristy outside, is carried down in stone on the inside of the
church. The modern glass in the chancel is a copy from an old
window in the cathedral; it was executed in Salisbury, and was
erected by Mr. Montgomery. The oak panelling in the seats and
reredos and pulpit was also introduced by him. There is some
good old glass in the heading of two of the chancel windows. The
By the Rev. Precentor Lear. 239
parish takes its name from its ancient lords, the Bishops of Win-
chester, who were patrons of the living and lords of the manor,
situate in the Hundred of Downton, till the Reformation. It then
passed into the hands of the present owners, the Earls of Pembroke.
William of Wykeham, when Bishop of Winchester, in 1379, ap-
pointed John of Wykeham to this rectory. There is a small brass
on the floor of the chancel to his memory. The communion plate,
-which is good for its date, 1663, was given by John Earle, rector
of Bishopston, afterwards Bishop of Salisbury. The good John
Earle was rector during the Commonwealth. When he was ejected,
Randolph Caldecott, a Puritan pastor, took pessession of the living.
Soon after the Restoration, John Earle was made successively
Bishop of Worcester and Salisbury; and not long after this, in
1671, Randolph Caldecott had become a Conformist, and was
rightly inducted to the living. Only one remark in conclusion,
My learned friends will see that their love of archeology has
brought them to a sequestered and retired valley removed now, as
it always was, from the gaze of many men. Yet here is found a
- church, the beauty and ornamentation and richness of which would
do honour to many acity. The names of the noble founders have
passed away; but the lessons they have taught us by this and
other such buildings still remain: to give the best we have to Him
‘‘ who seeth not as man seeth;” and to “love the place where His
honour dwelleth.”
240
Cerumber’s Chantry at Crofbridge,
WITH A COPY OF THE
ORIGINAL DEED OF ENDOWMENT:
A.D. 1483.
Edited with Introduction and Notes,
By the Rev. W. H. Jonzs, M.A., F.S.A.,
Vicar of Bradford on Avon,
(2=ZHE document relating to Terumber’s endowments, of which
{! J) an accurate copy is appended, is preserved in the register-
chest belonging to the parish church of Trowbridge. On several
accounts it is an interesting deed. Not only is it rare to find a
document of this date and character written in English, but there
are contained in it many incidental notices, relating not only to
the rules observed by the inmates of the Alms-house, which owed
much to Terumber’s munificence, but also as to the names of the
principal contributors to the erection of the present very beautiful
Church at Trowbridge, which is described as having been then“ newly
bielded.” This last good work we may fairly believe to have been
carried out about the year A.D., 1475.
Of Terumber himself we know almost nothing. In his deed he
describes himself as a ‘‘ marchaunte ;” by this meaning that he was
a member of that honorable and wealthy community who were
designated Merchants of the Staple, a full account of whom has
been given in the Wiltshire Magazine! Leland, in his passing
notice of Trowbridge, describes James Terumbre as “a very rich
clothier,” who, he adds, “ buildid a notable fair house in that toune,
and gave it at his deth with other landes to the finding of 2 can-
tuarie prestes yn Throughbridg Chirch.”
We have also among the lists of institutions to livings in the
old Diocese of Lincoln, which included much that is now in that
of Oxford, one or two notices which shew that Terumber’s
property was not confined to Wilts; and further, that between 1461
. 1 Wilts Arch. Mag, ix. 137—159.
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 241
and 1472, he was probably a resident at Bradford. Thus in the
year 1461, “Master John Long” was presented to the rectory of
Wendlebury, in Oxfordshire, per honestum virum Jacobum Tyrrym-
ber alias nuncupatum Coker, de Bradeford in Com. Wilts.”! Andon
the decease, in 1471, of the said John Long, one John Hall was
presented by the same patron James Tyrrymber alias Coker, and
was admitted to the rectory of Wendlebury, at London, on the 24th
January, 1472. The names of these presentees would seem to
connect them with those of Longof Wraxall, and Hall of Brad-
ford; the head of each of these families being named among the
Feoffees in whom Terumber vested his property, and also among
the benefactors to the ‘‘ newe chirch” at Trowbridge. Before the
next avoidance of the rectory of Wendlebury, the patronage had
passed away from James Terumber; for in the year 1485 it was
exercised by Humphrey Seymour, who is, it will be observed, one
of the first-named of the Feoffees in Terumber’s deed.
Of the various lands and tenements with which Terumber
endowed the Chantry and the Alms-house, we havefull and detailed
accounts among the deeds relating to the “sale of Chauntreys,
Colleges, Free Chapels, &c.,” now deposited in the Record Office.
They were situated at Trowbridge, Studley, and Broughton in
Wilts, and at Beckington in Somerset. Some of the names of the
places may perchance be recognized by residents in one or other
of those places to the present day. Thus in Trowbridge, there
were lands and tenements held at Holbroke’s Lane,—at Pinche-
mede,—at Lowmede,—at Whitrowe,—and in Church-close. In
High Street, one William Couper held a “ messuage and garden
with a barne and stable adjoining, together with one other garden
and little tenement on the north side of the church.” At Broughton,
the property consisted of “a messuage called Darbyes,” with 20
acres of land. At Beckington it is described as “a Tune? called
the Hurle, with all the houses thereto belonging.”
The gross rental of the several lands and tenements, was esti-
1 Kennet’s Paroch. Antig. ii. 390.
*This word, which is from the Anglo-Saxon Tin, signifies primarily an
enclosure, and is the origin of our word Town, The expression “‘ tyning” is a
common one in Wilts to denote an enclosed court yard, &e. They are all derived
from the Anglo-Saxon verb Zynan, which means “to enclose” or ‘‘shut in.”
242 Terumber’s Chantry at Trowbridge.
mated at £23 3s. 10d. Brought to its present relative value,
this would represent a sum of more than ten times that amount,—
probably as much as £300.
From this gross sum of £23 3s. 10d. there were, according to
the official document in the Record Office,! deductions to be made.
The entry is as follows :-—
Lands and tenements prized at........ xxii! iii*. x4,
Whereof
Yerely rentes goinge oute of the premises
to diverse persones following, viz. To the
TERUMBERE’S | Duke of Somerset xlii®. v‘., to the chefe lorde
Cuauntre | of Bradeford x*. iv’., to Anthony Rogers lxxiy’. ix’.
founded xvit,, to William Palmer xx‘, to Robert
within y*® | Stowell and John Barnfield iv’., to Xtopher
Parish Chirche} Dauntsey yi’. viiit., and to the Parson of
of Trowbridge.| Trowbridge viii’. iv‘., in all
An yerely charge goyinge oute of the
saide landes for and to the relieve of the pore iv",
as by force of the fundation.
And so remayneth clere ............ xiv§) dx, 33,
The goods and ornaments belonging to the said chantry, were
“prized”’ at the modest sum of 14s. 4d., and are thus enumerated :—
Crowbritge. First, a masse booke of parchement, a paire of vestments of red
sylke, a paire of vestments of greene sylke, a paire of vestments
of blacke chamlett with an orpheus * of redd velvet and braunches
of golde, 2 aulter clothes, 2 corporas cases, a paire of lytel
candlestycks, a lytel pillow covered with sylke.
The name of the Chantry Priest at the time of the Dissolution of
Chantries, was Robert Wheatacre, a name now better known in its
modern form of “ Whitaker,” but by no means so indicative of its
origin. At the time of the survey by the King’s Commissioners,
he was “of the age of xlii yeares,” and the following official report
was given concerning him and his doings.
"1 Booke of Survey of Chauatreys, No. 68, Certificate No. 45. See also
‘Particulars of Sale of Chauntreys,” p. 428.
*It is so written in the original and is sufficiently unintelligible. Most probably the following
note from Hearne’s Glossary to Langtoft’s Chronicle gives us the clue to the meaning. ‘‘ OrFRKIS,
a French word from or, gold and frise, and signifleth a guard or welt of gold, or frised cloth of gold.
“Orfrais (saith Cotgrave) broad welts or gards of gold, or silver imbroideree laid on copes or other
church vestments. In old times the jackets, or coat-armours of the King’s gard were tearmed so,
because they were covered with goldsmithes worke.” The term orphrey is still used for the orna-
ments embroidered on ecclesiastical vestments.
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 243
Memarantuvr. The sayde Incumbent is a verey honeste man, well lerned and
ryghte able to serve a cure, albeit a verey poore man and hathe
none other lyvinge but the sayde Chuntrey, and furthermore he
hathe occupyed hymself in teachynge a scole there ever sith he
came fyrste thider.
Also the sayde parishe of Trowbridge is a great parishe wherein
be the number of 500 people whiche receyye the Blessed Communion
and no Preeste besides the Vicar to helpe in administracion savinge
the sayd Chuntre Preeste. Wherefore the Inhabytants there
desyre the Kinges most honorable Councell to consyder them
accordinglye.
The Alms-house, which, as we learn from the deed, James
Terumber “new bielded,” is thus described by Leland :—* This
Terumber made also a little almose-house by Through-bridge chirch,
and yn it be a 6 poore folkes having a 3 pence a peace by the week
toward theyr fyndynge.’”’—It had, it is said, six small rooms below
and six above, and stood at the north-east side of the church-yard.
In the account of the lands and tenements left by Terumber, we
have mention of “vi. chambers in the alms-house,” and of “a cham-
ber with a garden” occupied by Robert Wheatacre, the Chantry
Priest. The provision for the maintenance of the Chantry and of
the Alms-house was made by the same deed, and issued from the
same estates. It is more than probable, that when, on the dissolu-
tion of the chantry, the lands and tenements were sold, the pro-
vision for the alms-folk was disposed of also. Who were the
purchasers of the various properties, I have not been able to ascer-
tain, the Chantry Records, as far as they have been examined,
- containing no entry respecting those matters.
The Charity Commissioners, who visited Trowbridge some 35
years ago for the purpose of enquiring into all the charitable en-
dowments, were able to elicit very little concerning the old alms-
house. After giving an abstract of the provisions of Terumber’s
deed, they go on to report as follows :—
“There used to be an old building, containing six small rooms
on the ground-floor, and six others above them ; the premises were
standing adjoining to the north-east side of the church-yard, and
were known by the name of the old alms-house, and are believed
‘to have been the alms-house built by Terumber.”
_ “Tt appears by several entries in the churchwardens’ book, ‘ that
244 Terumber’s Chantry at Trowbridge.
from the years 1766 to 1777, £4 was received of one Carey, and that
the said sum was distributed in sums of 16s. each, to four women ;
and that the remaining 16s. was also distributed, as the money
of the empty house, in small sums amongst about eight persons.
“‘ Mr. Stevens, the executor of Mr. Carey, is stated, in the copy of
a letter believed to have been written by Miss Carey, to have paid
£4 to the poor of the alms-house at Trowbridge; but it is also
stated in the same letter, that Mr. Stevens was wrong in making
the payments, as they then went upon the estate for payment.
“‘ No entries can be found in the parish books of the rent-charge,
or sum of £4, having been paid since 1777.
“In the Parliamentary Returns of 1786, the account of this
charity is as follows;—‘ Founded by James Terumbre,—at what date,
uncertain,—founded by will for the endowment of an alms-house,—~
land given which was at that time vested in Henry Stevens, yielding
£4 per annum.’—The rent of £4 has never been paid since 1786.
“ After the payment of the rent ceased, the old alms-house was
used by the parish as a poor house till about the year 1811. The
building was then taken down for the purpose of enlarging the
church-yard, with the consent of the inhabitants of the parish, at
a public vestry called for the purpose, on 21st April, 1811.” }
It is a satisfaction to feel, that, through the generosity of other
‘“‘ rich clothiers’’ of Trowbridge, some reparation was made in the
middle of the 17th century for this spoliation of the poor, which,
though involuntary on the part of the parishioners, is still to be
deplored. A new alms-house was erected in another part of
Trowbridge, by the brothers William, John, and Richard Yerbury.
It was subsequently endowed with donations or bequests, from no
less than five other members of the same family, and its income
now amounts to more than £120 per annum. Esto perpetua !
Nor is this quite all the reparation that has been made. Within
the last few years, through the efforts of the present Rector, some
new alms-houses have been erected by public subscription, hard by
the site of Terumber’s, for the benefit of clothiers and others,
who, having known better days, may, in their old age, or through
1 Reports of Charity Commisioners, (Wilts,) p. 492.
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 245
circumstances, be reduced to poverty. Accommodation has been
provided for eight men, to whom it is proposed to allow a few shillings
weekly “toward theyr fyndynge.” Already some five alms-men
have been admitted to this privilege, and when funds are forth-
coming the number will be increased. May many worthy repre-
. sentatives of their worthy townsmen, the Terumbers and the
Yerburys, be raised up to carry out this good work. And may a
greater permanency be its lot than was granted to the foundation
of the open-hearted and open-handed merchant of the 15th century.
It will not perhaps be deemed wholly irrelevant to the subject
of this paper, if we mention that, besides the Chantry founded by
Terumber, there was a religious Guild, which is called in the
records “The Brotherhood of Corpus Christi,” within the parish
church of Trowbridge. A full account of such Guilds, and in
particular of three which formerly existed in Devizes, will be found
in the Wiltshire Magazine.! The one at Trowbridge, as far as we
can ascertain, does not appear to have been connected with any
particular trade, but to have been one of those guilds so common
in the 15th and following centuries, formed for the purposes of
mutual help and association in religious exercises, and so giving a
sanctity to the business and occupation of every day life. Some
now-a-days are too apt to brand, as mere superstition, old customs
which rebuke that spirit which, in ‘‘ their haste be rich,” too often
tempts men to forget, that, toil and succeed how they may, there is
. One only to whom all blessing is due.
The entries respecting this Guild are as follows? :—
Trowbritge, The rentes of the
Landes gyven tothe} tenentes at will followinge, viz., of John
BROTHERHOOD OF] Ellis for one tenemente with a garden
Corpus Curistr, and a pocke of pasture, contein. by
within the Parish] estimac. 1 acr., and 4 othre lytle pockes
¢ a a
Chirche of Trow-| of pasture, contein. in all by estimac. 3 ae
bridge. acr. xlvi’. viii‘.; of Roger Lenthall for
one tenemente in Portesse with a garden Whereof
viii’., and for 4 shambles in the Market
Place viii®.; in all at the festes of the
yere most usual to be paid.
1 Wilts. Arch. Mag. iv. 160,
? Booke of Survey of Chauntreys, No. 58, Certificate No. 46.
246 Terumber’s Chantry at Trowbridge.
viz. Reprised for An yerely rente goynge oute of the viii‘, ii¢.
premises to the Duke of Somerset his
Grace.
And so remayneth clere liv*. vit.
The goods and ornaments belonging to the said Brotherhood
were valued at viii*. ii‘., and are thus enumerated :—
“ First, a Masse Book and 2 pares of vestments of parti-colors, 2 corporas
cases with 2 clothes, an aulter cloth, 2 curtaynes of red sylke, an old cope of
sylke, a cloth to hange before the aulter of sylke.”
Even before the lands belonging to this Brotherhood were, like
those of all similar foundations, disposed of in accordance with an
Act of Parliament, the proceeds seem to have been alienated from
their original purpose. The parochial authorities of the 16th
century were certainly not so guiltless as were their successors of a
subsequent age. It would have been well if metaphorically, as well
as literally, they had “ mended their ways.”
fMemorandum. ‘The Chirchwardens upon their oathes have declared that the
said land was not employed to aid the fyndinge of any Preste by
the space of these five yeares but converted to the mendynge of
the highwayes about Trowbridge where as much nede is.” *
The thanks of the Editor are due to the Churchwardens of
Trowbridge for their permission to make a transcript of the deed
relating to Terumber’s Chantry, &c. The document itself is in
fair preservation, though in one or two places, where the paper on
which it is written has been folded, it is partially, and sometimes
wholly illegible. A few words here and there have been supplied -
from conjecture, and have consequently, in the following printed
copy, been enclosed within brackets.
* Booke of Survey of Chauntreys, No. 58, Certificate No. 46.
4
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 247
COPY OF THE ORIGINAL DEED
RELATING TO
Cerumber’s Endowments at Crowbridge.
Gao alle Grewe Christen People to whome this present writing
indented tripartite shalle come, I JAMES TERUMBERE of Trowbrigge,
in the Counte of Wilteshire, marchaunt, sende greting in owre Lord God ever-
lasting :—UWhereas I the saide James have by my dedc of feoffement with
a warraunt of attornney in the same sealled with my seale bering date the
xiiii* day of Januarie the first yeare of the reigne of King Richard the thrid,
enfeoffed Henry Long, Thomas Tropenell, Humphrey Seymour, Squiers; Waltier
Dauntesey, John Kaynell, Thomas Halle, John Frensshe, Edward Baron, James
Halle, William Raynolde, William Alcombe, William More, William Longe,
Walter Barbour, William Clyvelode, Reynolde Whytechurch, Thomas Adams,
John Solas, Waltier Whyte, John Sely, Thomas Lovell, John Gore thelder,
John Gore the yonger, John Stephyns, John Dober, Richard Pyper, William
Syleockys, John Smyth the elder, John Smyth the yonger, William Bygge,
Thomas Boye, Nicholas Twyney,Jamys Longe,James Whyte, and Jamys Barbour,
and to theym pleynly delyvered season! by John Holme and Robert Dasshet myn
attourneys in this behalve named in the saide warant of and in alle my mesuages,
londes, tenementes, medowes, lesues, pastures, wodes, rentes, reversions and
Services with thappurtenaunces in Trowbrigge, Stodeley, Broughton Gyfforde
and Bradeforde in the Countie of Wilteschire and Bekyngton in the Countie of
Somersette:—@u habe to theym and to their heirs for ever to thuse and
entente to perfourme thereof the wille of me the saide James Terumbere ;—
Huowwe pe that I the saide James Terumbere by these presentes declare
my wille and entente of and upon the saide feoffement touching the saide londes
and tenements with thappurtennces in fourme folowing, that is to say, Jfirst
that the saide ffeoffees and every of them and alle othre theire estate hereafter
having, shalle pleinly perfourme fulfille and observe my wille and ordeynce by
me ordeyned and hereafter declared, that is to wite, @hat alle the saide
_ ffeoffees and every of them shall within seven dayes after that thei be required
by me the saide James Terumbere by thadvise of my lerned counsaile make a
lawfulle gifte and graunte by theyr dede sufficient in lawe to me the saide
James Terumbere of andin an annuell rent of xvi by the yere going
oute of the said londes and tenementes and other premisses with the appurten-
aunces, @a have and perceyve the saide annuelle rente to me the saide James
Terumbere and to myn assignes for terme of my lyfe atte the festes of Ester,
Nativite of Saint John Baptiste. Saint Michell tharchaungele, and Nativite of
our LorpE Gop, by even porcions with a clause of distresse in the saide dede to
be conteyned to distreyn in the same londes and tentes for the arrerages of the
same rente if it be behinde unpaide in parte or in alle by a moneth after any fest
of payment thereof:—QAny Also that the saide feoffees and every of theim
* That is, seisin, or, legal possession.
248 Terumber’s Chantry at Trowbridge.
and alle othir herafter havyng their estate shalle, within seven dayes after that
thei be by me or Alice my wyf required, by theyr dede sufficieut in lawe make
a lawfulle graunte to the saide Alice, wyfe of me the saide James Terumbere,
of and in an annuell rente of x marks by the yere going oute of all the saide
mesuages, londes, tentes and othir premisses with thappurteuaunces, to have and
perceyve yerely the same x marks to the saide Alice and to hir assignes after
the deth of me the saide James Terumbere, if she overlyve me, for terme of hir
lyfe, at the festes of Ester, Nativite of Saint John Baptist, Seint Michell
tharchaungele, and Nativite of our LorpE Gop, by even porcions with a clause
of distresse to be conteyned in the same dede to distreyne in alle the saide
londes and tentes for the same rente and the arrerages thereof it it be behinde
in parte or in alle not paide by a moneth after any fest of payment therof.—
Firthermure, I the saide James Terumbere by these presents wolle and
ordeyne that my said ffeoffees, with the Chirchewardens of the paroche chirch
of Trowbrigge afforesaid for the tyme beying, shalle ordeyn, electe and chese
by alle [theyr whole assents or] by thassent of the more parte of theym an apte
and convenient seculer prest immediately after the decesse of me the saide James
Terumbere to serve and sing divyne service in manner and fourme hereafter
declared, that is to say,—iBaily to say matyns and masse atte the auter in
the saide Chirch newly bielded, byfore the tumbe of Johane late my wife, called
Juxsus auter, and at [the begy Jnnyng of the saide masse standying before the
saide auter shalle pray for the ffoundoure of the same masse, that is to say, for
me the saide James Terumbere, for the foresaide Johane, aud for the saide Alice,
and fer Sir Robert Willoughby, Sir Richard Beauchamp, Sir Roger Tocotes,
Knyghtes; Maister John Stokes, Parson of Trowbrigge, David Terumbere and
Johanne his wyfe, John [Solas and Alice] his wyfe, Henry Longe and Margerete
and Johanna his wyfes, John Dauntesey and Johane his wyfe, Waltier Dauntesey
and Juliane his wyfe, John Fote and Alianore his wyfe, John Wolfe and Edith
his wyfe, William Stoweford, Margerete and Margerete his wyfes, John Dober
and Johane his wyfe, John Kaynell and Christiane his wyfe, Thomas Halle and
Agneis his wyfe, John [Smith and Alianore] his wyfe and for the soules of
Mecticsceceiaes , John..... and Giles his wyfe, John Jay and Johane his wyfe,
Edward Tornour and Katheryne his wyfe, Thomas Tornour and Edithe his
wyfe, and of John and Alice, and for the soules of alle othre benefactours whos
namee shal be comprised in a table hanging at the high auter of JHESU ex-
horting the people being present de[voutley to say for them and] for alle
Christen [soules Pater Poster and Abe ] Maria, and the prest to say in
the meane tyme this[psaume ..........-.seeeee eee eee eee with this colect]
Quacsumus Beusg, and afterward to procede to his Masse. Q@lsa
the saide preste shalle on Wednesday wikely in the yere sey the seven
psalmes penetencials with the Letany and colectes to the same and every
[Friday he shalle sing], %lacebo Mirige [in behalfe] of the [persones]
above named, and this to be well and truly observed and kepte for ever-
more. Q@lso the saide preste shalle have for his salarie yerely x marks
of the issues and profites of the saide mesuages, londes and tenntes quarterly,
to be paide by the oversight of three or four of my saide feoffees and of the
chirchwardens of the saide chirche of Trowbrigge for the tyme being. Alsa
the saide prest shall [gader and] receyve, or do to be gadred or receyved alle
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 249
the rentes, issues and profites commyng and growing of alle the saide mesuages,
londes and tenntes, and therof yerely twyes in the yere, make and yelde a good
and true accompte before the chirchwardens of the saide chirch for the tyme
being, and three or four of the saide feoffees than and there being present; the
[one] day of the saide accomptes to be kepte yerely in the Easter weke, and
the othre day of accompte to be kepte atte the feste of Mighelmasse yerely.
Alga the saide preste shalle have yerely xx*., and therof atte the saide
accomptes shal be yerely allowed for gadring of the saide rentes, overseeing of
reparacions duly and truly to be doon and kept as well in wallyng, tymbering,
tyling, thaching, diching, hedging, as alle othre thinges necessarie to the saide
londes and tenntes with thappurtenaunces belonging. jSravitey alvans
that the saide prest shalle not aske nor have allowance for doing and
overseing of the saide reparacions, but by oversight of three or four of the saide
feoffees and chirchewardens for the tyme being. Qlsa the saide preste atte
the same accomptes shal be allowed yerely for brede, wyne and wax, to sing
withalle ii’, iv’—Qnv ober this, I the saide James Terumbere, wole and
ordeyne by these presentes that the saide feoffees, prest, and chirchwardens for
the tyme being, yerely shalle holde and kepe in the saide chirch a solempne
obite for my soule and the soules affore rehersed, the dirige therof to be saide
in the closette by the tumbe of the saide Johane late my wyfe, and two solempne
masses to be saide atte the saide auter of JHESU, oon masse of our Lady Seint
Marie, and the othre of Requiem Eternam, &c., these dirigees and masses to be
kepte and holden after my decease by foure prestes, wherof oon shal be the
Person of the saide chirch if he be present atte dirige and at masse, having of
thissues and profits of the saide londes and tenntes for his labour xii?, And in
ease the saide Person be not there present, than his parissh preste to be there pre-
__ stene and helpinge, and to have for his labour viii‘., and three othre prestes being
atte same and helping every of them shalle have iiii‘. ; the parisshe clerke of the
_ saide chirche attending to the saide dirigees and masses iiii*. ; and the Bedeman
going abonte the towne praing for the soules abovesaid, as the maner is, iiii4, $
and to five childern being in theire surplices atte saide dirigees and masses there
singing and reading every of them ii*.; and to the belles ringing at dirige and
at masses viii‘. ; and to the four ringers ringing the saide belles every of them
ii*.; and to the two chirchwardens of the said chirche for the tyme being there
_ present, and seing this myn ordennce and wille truly to be doon, and yerely to
be kept for evermore, everiche of them iii*. iv’, Isa the saide preste with
the saide chirchwardens for the tyme being, shalle dispose yerely of the saide
issues and profites in the day of the saide obite for and in brede, ale, and chese
to the value of iiii*., to be delte and distributed among poure people commyng
to the saide dirigees. @lsa the saide chirchwardens or oon of them atte the
saide masse being present, shalle yerely offre at every masse oon peny, and pay
for iiii tapers standing upon the herse of the saide tumbe of the forsaide
_Johane late my wyfe, there brennyng atte diriges and at masses iiii4,
Q@nt alsa I the saide James Terumbere wolle that the saide preste and
_chirchwardens for the tyme being, shalle make or do to be made hal-
_ peny brede to the value of vi’. viiit., in the day of myn obite to be departed
_ and divided to the moost nedy people by theire discrecion. @Iga I the
E saide James Terumbere ordeine that in the day of the accomptes abovesaid
9
250 Terumber’s Chantry at Trowbridge.
be distributed yerely amonges iiii auditours, the said preste, the clerk ot
thaccompte with the saide chirchwardens for their dyner ii*., and for the labour
af the auditours of the saide feoffees and of the clerke of accompte for both dayes
of accompte iiii. G@lga I the saide James Terumbere ordeyn that the saide
preste with the oversight of the said feoffees and of the saide chirchwardens
for the tyme being shalle pay to vi poure men or women of the almeshouse in
Trowbrigge afforesaide, by me the saide James Terumbere of the [saide parish]
newe bielded, there abiding, to every of them quarterly iii*. iv’., till that the
somme of vi marks be fully paid. @lga I the saide James Terumbere have
ordeyned that every pore man and woman there being have a severalle chambre,
and that thei alle have in comon among them the gardyn adjoynyng unto
the saide almeshous, and the saide preste shalle have a chambre on the
northe parte of the saide almeshous with a gardyn thereto [belonging]
withoute any rente paiyng or reparacion doing. Also I, the saide James
Terumbere wole and ordeine that [every one] man and woman of the saide
almeshous shalle dailly two tymes of the day, that is to say, in the morownyng
atte the houre of vii or viii. and atte the houre of v or vi arter noon come
togidere in the presence of the saide almeshouse with the ringing of a belle in
[the Church] yard and that then oon of them moost discriete sey with a lowde
voice in this wise,—@£e shalle specially pray for the soules of James
Terumbere, Johane and Alice his wyfes oure foundours and of alle the othre
benefactours as is above rehersed in the bedes of the preste, and during this
rehersaile alle the othre of the saide pore people to be busye in their devote prayers
and immediately after that doon every of them to go to the chirch there and say
devoutly for the soules aforesaid at each tyme of the saide two tymes of the day oon
hoole sawter of our Lady Seint Marie. Also I the forsaide James Terumbere
wole that the saide preste for the tyme being with the oversight of the saide
feoffees and chirchewardens, have the govnnce and rule of the saide poure men
and women, seyng that thei be honest of rule and conversacion, and thei to be
obedient to the saide preste in alle honest wise. And if the saide pore men or
women be dishonest of rule and conversacion, or if any of them be obstinate or
wilfulle, not obeying the saide preste according to the verrey effect of this
ordennce, than it shal be lefulle to the saide preste, feoffees, and chirchwardens
the saide pore men or women or any of them so in defaulte, to put oute of the
saide almshous and to admytte othre in their places after the discrecion of the
saide prest, feoffees, and chirchwardens. Alga I the saide James Terumbere,
ordeine and wole that if the saide preste for the tyme being falle sike or
decrepite, so that he may not kepe and observe the service and charge according
to this ordennce, that than the saide feoffees and chirchewardens for the tyme
being shalle pay or do to be paide to the saide preste so being sike, iiii marks
yerely at iiii termes of the yere by even porcions, parcelle of his saide salarie of
x marks, the residue of the same x marks, that is to say vi markes shal be
applyd to the finding and exhibicion of anothre preste, to be ordeyned by the
saide feoffees and chirchwardens, he to doo and kepe alle observaunces and
charges as the othre preste so sike by this ordenaunce is bounde to do, taking
for every day that he saith masse atte saide auter iii’. of the saide vi marks,
Glso if the saide chauntry preste deye, departe, or be put oute of the saide
service for any cause resonable, then the saide feoffees and chirchwardens
—
By the Rev. W. H. Jones. 251
for the tyme being by theire hole assente or by the assente of the more parte of
theim shalle electe and chose an othre preste of good name and fame, he havyng
doing, and keping on his partie alle thinges as is aforsaide according to this
ordennce, and so from preste to preste for evermor. jrobived altvay that
after the decesse, departing, or putting oute of the saide preste, the said teoffees
and chirchwardens purvey them anothir honest seculer preste within oon moneth
or two moneths than next suying and during alle that meane tyme anothre
preste by the purveyance of the saide feoffees or chirchwardens to be ordeyned
to say masse atte the said auter taking for his salarie iii*. by the day and that
then the residue of the said x marks remayning and growing in that meane
tyme be put in the coffer herafter written to be ordered for the residue of the
issues and profites of the said londes and tentes commying over this ordenaunce
perfourmed to be applyed to the reparacion of the same londes and tentes,
Glgo if the saide preste be not of sadde rule and good disposicion but lyve
viciously and wole not be refourmed nor amende himself, I the saide James
Terumbere wole and ordeine that then the saide feoffees and chirchwardens for
the tyme being shalle putte him oute of his chauntrey, thei chosing anothir
honeste seculer preste into his place according to this saide ordennce. Alga
I the saide James Terumbere wole and ordeine that if the saide preste be negli-
gent or lachesse in gadering the saide rentes or elles in doing or overseing
reparacons as is afforesaide so that the saide houses and tenntes falle into decay
that the saide pore men or women, obite, or dole, or any parte thereof be not,
nor may be doon according to this saide ordennce in defaulte of the saide preste
than the saide feoffees and chirchwardens shall reteyn of the saide prestes pension
for every defaulte that he shall make in that behalve contrary to this ordennce
vi’. vili’., the same vi*. viii’, to be put in the cofer abovesaide to be [applied
for the] Ee tiectite and Te of the houses londes and tenntes afforsaide.
Also, I, the forsaide James Terumbere ordeine and wole that whensoever
the Gaid feoffees be departed, decessed, or ded, to the nombre of v or vi
of them being on lyve, that then the said v or vi persones of them so over-
lyving shulle enfeoffe or do to be enfeoffed othre xx persones or more of the
_ moost [honeste and faith] fulle men of the parishe of Trowbrigge afforesaide with
_ the chirchwardens of the saide chirch for the tyme being of and in alle the
_ saide messuages, londes, and tenntes, and othir premisses with the appurtennces,
_ thei to have and to holde to them and to theire heirs for ever the same messuages,
_ londes, and tenntes with the appurtennces, of the chief Lord of the fee, [the
same to be] maintained to thuse and entente and to the performaunce and ful-
- filling of this my present ordenaunce, and so from feoffees to feoffees for ever-
‘more. Glga I the said James Terumbere, wolle and ordeine that the residue
of thissues and profites of alle the forsaide messuages, londes, tentes and othre
‘premisses with thappurtennces yerely growing and coming [oute of the same,
| after] alle my ordenaunce afore declared, duly and truly perfourmed and ful-
‘filled, be putte into a cofer which I wole therefore be ordeined by the saide
t feoffees and chirchwardens havyng iii locks and iii keyes,* oon keye thereof
| to remayne with the saide feoffees, and so from feoffees to feoffees, and oon othir
_ Keye thereof to the saide preste for the tyme being, and oon otlite keye thereof
a ee eee
;
3
:
1 } *This custom is still observed. To this day there are three locks and three keys to the Parish
_ Chest at Trowbridge. One key is kept by the Rector, and each of the Churchwardens has one.
VOL. X.—NO. XXX, s
252 Terumber’s Chantry at Trowbridge.
to remaine with the chirchwardens for the tyme being, and so from chirch-
wardens to chirchwardens, the saide cofre to be putte in sure and saufe warde
by the gode advise of the saide feoffees, preste, and chirechwardens, and that
the saide money so remaining in the saide cofre shal be converted, bestowed,
and applied only to the reparacions [and maintenaunce and othre expenses | of
the saide londes and tentes with thappurtennces, and to make defense in the
lawe to mayntene the right and title of the saide londes and tentes for evermore-
Anv ta this or¥ennance and wolle for evermore truly to be kept and observed,
the saide feoftees and chirchwardens binde them in the faithe which they
owe unto Almighty God. And I, the saide James Terumbere require and
charge them to the same, and that as they wole answere to God therefore atte
the dredefulle day of his laste jugement. Qn alga E the saide James
Terumbere wole and ordeyne, that if the saide Thomas Turnour have any
kynnesman or kynneswoman fallen into povertee that wolle be in the saide
almeshouse, that than he or she so being in povertee shal be admytted into my
said almeshouse before any othir. in fitness whereof to every parte
of this my presente ordenaunce tipartite indented, I the forsaide James Terum-
bere have sette my seale, oon parte thereof to remayne with me and myne
executours or heirs, the seconde parte thereof to be kepte in the saide cheste,
and the thirde parte of my saide ordenaunce to remayne in the custodie of my
saide feoffees, and so from feoffees to feoffees for evermore. Paben the saide
fourteenth day of Januarye, in the yere of oure Lorde God, MccccLxxxmI, and
in the saide first yere of the reigne of Kyng Richard the thirde above rehersed.
SAuareober know ye that I, the saide James Terumbere, have gifen unto the
saide chirche a missale begynnyng in the seconde leef after the kalandare in
this wise,—‘‘ Animam meam Deus meus in te confido, ne erubeseam,”—to the
entente that the saide missale shal remayne in the keping of the forsaide preste
for the tyme being and serve at his masses, to be saide atte saide auter of
JaeEsv as long as the same missale shal endure. And I wole that from hens-
forth, no persone lerne to rede, syng, or construe upon the forsaide missale, nor
that the same missale be in any wise lente or delyvered to any persone‘nor put
to any othre use than oonly to serve atte saide auter in maner and forme affore
rehersed.
Subjoined to the deed is a declaration, in Latin, of which the
following is a translation.
“We, William Wykeham, Mayor of the City of Bristol, and John Snyg,
Sheriff of the same, to all and each who may see the above deed, hereby signify
that the aforesaid James Terumbere came before us in the exchange, or place of
common audience, situated near the High Cross at Bristol aforesaid, and with
much urgency requested that we would affix the seal of our office to the above
deed in perpetual memory of the same, inasmuch as the seal of the said James
Terumbere is unknown to many; wherefore we, at the instant and personal
request of the said James Terumbere, have affixed our seal of office to the same
deed for the greater confirmation and testimony of all and singular the above
premisses. Sealed this fifteenth day of April in the year of our Lord God 1487,
and in the second year of the reign of King Henry the seventh.” |
j
253
Andent Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
By the Rev. Canon Jackson, F.S.A.
Ale g00D imitations may sometimes deceive even experienced
(@) judges. The late Rt. Rev. Dr. G. H. Law, Bishop of Bath
and Wells, being fond of exercise on horseback at a very early
;
hour, used sometimes to astonish the clergyman and parish clerk, at
places so far distant as 15 miles from the Palace at Wells, by calling
to see their church at 7 o’clock in the morning. Upon one occasion,
whilst staying at a friend’s, a few miles from Bath, his Lordship
went off alone upon one of these early excursions, and passing in,
front of a gentleman’s house in a very pretty park, he saw quite
close to it, a gabled building with a large Perpendicular window,
_ surmounted by a little crocketed spire. Naturally supposing this
_ to be the church of the Manor, he turned off the road into the park,
and rode up to make a closer inspection. The door being open
exhibited a row of horses, under the hands of grooms and helpers,
_ whose surprise at such a visitor at such an hour was not less than
his own. The history of the matter is of course simply this. In
order to match a house built in ecclesiastical style, the owner had
given the same style (though much too strongly) to his stable.
___ In this instance the whole was modern, built in imitation of o/d,-
But the imitation was consistently carried out. This modern.
“country gentleman, as a copyist, truly copied what the old ecclesi-
_astic had done before him; Le. he made his stables and offices
match his house.
In retired villages and at solitary old houses, we often
_ find a fragment of venerable church-like building, some gable,
- arch, window or doorway. History it has none, beyond the
usual tradition ‘that it was said to have been once a chapel or a
Nunnery, or something of that sort.” Now many of these ancient
; relics may be accounted for in the way above alluded to. The.
s 2
254 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
Abbots and Abbesses of the older days were not only large land
owners, but great and good builders, and they gave to their farm
houses, their barns and mills, &c., a solidity and character of orna-
ment in keeping with the profession of the owners. So it often
comes to pass that what was only a substantial kitchen or hall in
a dwellinghouse, or a granary or stable in a court-yard, on outlying
estates that formerly belonged to a monastery, is often now supposed
to have been part of a chapel or other building appertinent to the
residence of the Monks themselves.
At the same time there may be many fragments of real chapels
and the like, that might perhaps be identified, if there were any
ready means of knowing, in each county, the names of all the places
at which any ancient structure connected with religion is known to
have once existed, besides the ordinary Parish church. For the
county of Wilts, the following Alphabetical List may be of use.
It includes all such parish churches, conventual churches, chan-
tries, chantry chapels, &c., as underwent some change when
the religion of the country was changed in the reign of Henry
VIII., and his immediate successors. Some were altogether des-
troyed: others allowed to go to decay ; but the larger part of the
chapels having been deprived of their endowments, were in most
cases allowed to remain, either as burial places for particular
families, or for the general purposes of the parish church to which
they were attached.
The number of Parish churches that have ever, at any time, been
bodily removed without being replaced, is, as might be expected,
not very large. The few that have disappeared were of a very
humble kind.
Of the Conventual churches, three have survived : Malmesbury
(mutilated), Ambresbury, and Edingdon. These perhaps were
partly indebted for their safety to their size. All the rest have so
absolutely disappeared that, except by some casual excavation, not
a trace of them is to be found. Nor is there any description, still
less any illustration, (such as a general view or ground plan,) left to
give us the slightest idea of what they were like. But their names
and localities are upon the whole, well ascertained.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 255
Not so with regard to ancient “Chapels.” There is some little diffi-
culty in forming an exact list of these, owing in great measure to
the various uses of the word “Chapel.” Some large churches that
are now, and for centuries have been, parish churches, are only
described’ as “ Capel/e”’ in ancient Latin documents. Then there
were “‘ Free Chapels,” ‘“‘ Chantry Chapels,” or ‘‘ Chantries ” only :
some endowed, many unendowed, so far as appears: some solitary
and apart; others within the area of a parish church. The name is
also often given to aisles, terminations of aisles, or transepts in
parish churches; (many of which appear to have been merely
burial places for particular families:) also to small oratories and
shrines by the way-side, at cross roads, or on bridges ; for pilgrims
to rest and say their prayers, or make some offering for the repair
of the bridge or road. There were likewise Domestic chapels, but
these were generally within the houses of the nobility and gentry.
Old chapels, in short, either real or traditional, are abundant; and
it is for the very purpose of distinguishing the one from the
other, and of showing what grounds there may be for the
tradition in any particular place, that the following List has been
drawn out. I do not undertake to say that nothing is omitted:
but it contains all the information upon the subject that has fallen
7 under my notice during many years.
t
;
4
J.E. J.
_ Asseston. See Whiteparish infra.
Avpsourne (near Marlborough, Hundred of Selkley). In this
church was a chantry called “Our Lady’s Guild,” or, “The
_ Fraternity of the B. V. M.” Its possessions are described in
the Certificate of Chantries (Certif.58,No.56). Adam Herryett
was cantarist, 1. Edw. vi. There is a brass in Aldbourne
i Chancel to Henry Frekylton, cantarist, A.D. 1508. [Kite’s
> __— Wilts. Brasses, p. 43. ]
| Att Cannines, (Swanborough Hundred.) In the Protector Duke
be of Somerset’s Register of Estates at Longleat, is mention of
“6s. 8d., Rent of the Chapel of St. Anne.”
256 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wiits.
AuineTon, in the parish of Chippenham. John Aubrey, (1660),
has this memorandum, ‘‘ Quere J. Milsham about the Chapel,
or then perhaps Church, where the pidgeon house stands now,
the pidgeon house being part of it. It was dedicated to
St......... The Revell is kept the Sunday after Molyroode
day 14th September.”
No further notice of any Chapel here has been met with.
[See Wilts. Collections, Aubrey & Jackson, p. 72. |
Axton Priors, (Elstub and Everley Hundred). The “ Free Chapel
of Alton,” was confiscated among Wilts Chantries, 1 Edw.
VI. James Rogers was “Rector,” 1517. On his death in
1545, John Hunnings was appointed, and seems to have been
the last. [Val. Eccl. and Wilts. Instit. ]
Atvepiston, or Aston, (Hundred of Chalk). . Mr. C. Bowles, [ Mod.
Wilts. Chalk, p. 16] says there was a chantry here, but
there appears to be no further account ofit. Thesouth transept
is called the “ Norrington,” or “‘Gawen’s Aisle.” The north
transept, “ Gould” or “ Gold’s Aisle.”
AmpresBury Monastery (Hundred of Amesbury). Ambresbury
is perhaps the oldest Ecclesiastical locality in Wilts. A mon-
astery of Monks or Friars is mentioned as having been in
very remote times on the Hill of Ambrius, Ambrosius, or
Ambres (Holy Stones): for the exact derivation of the name
is not certain. This very early House of religious men was
succeeded by one of Benedictine Nuns, founded about A.D.,
980, by Elfrida, widow of King Edgar, on or near the present
site of Amesbury House, which is not on the hill but below
it. The church of the nuns is now the parish church. It
was reduced in size after the Reformation. The particulars
of this have been printed in the Wilts. Arch. Mag. x. 73.
There was also a Chapel in the Infirmary of the Monastery.
Ansty, (in Dunworth Hundred). Here was a “Preceptory” or
House of the Knights Hospitalars, of St. John of Jerusalem,
founded by Walter de Turberville, 12 John, “ to God, St.
Mary and St. John the Baptist.” That the “ Confratria,” or
Brethren, had a Chapel in their house does not appear. John
By the Rev. J. B. Jackson. — 257
Zouche, Esq., to whom the property was sold by the Crown,
33. Hen. VIII., was bound to maintain out of the great tithes
a Chaplain in the Church, and a Curate for the parish. [Sir
R. C. Hoare’s Hist. of Dunworth, p. 62]. The present little
Church is very old, and may have been used by the Hospitalars.
AsHLEIGH, near Bradford on Avon. The Rev. W. H. Jones, Vicar
of Bradford, thinks there was a chapel here. There is a field
still called the ‘Church-field,” belonging to the Misses
Bailward, in which a stone coffin, still to be seen, was dug up; be-
sides other traces of a burial ground. [ Wilts Arch. Mag. v. 37. ]
AssERToN, alids WINTERBOURNE Parva, in the parish of Berwick
St. James, (Hundred of Branch and Dole). The Inquis. post
M. (15 Rich. IL.) A.D. 1891, mentions a Free Chapel within
the mansion (infra mansionem) of John Paulet, Kt. Sir R. OC.
Hoare (B & D., p. 185.) says of a chapel at Asserton, that “It
was founded early, and had regular Institutions for some time,
but appears to have fallen into disuse before the Reformation,
when the Incumbent was returned as a /ayman, and to hold it
as a school exhibition.” To ¢his chapel there were presenta-
tions from A.D. 1298 to 1493. [WiltsInst.] In 1. Edw. VI.
“The Free chappel of Asserton was held by Giles Thistle-
thwayte, aged 26 years.”
Avesury, or Apury, (Selkley Hundred.) An estate in this parish
was given by King Henry the first’s chamberlain of Normandy,
William de Tancarville, to the Benedictine Monks of St.
George of Boscarville in that country: and so the monks
established at Avebury became an Alien Priory to the foreign
house of St. George. When suppressed as Alien, it was at
_ one time given to St. Mary’s Winchester College, Oxford: but
was afterwards in Hen. IV., annexed to Fotheringhay College
Co. Northampton, and was sold at the Dissolution, to Sir
William Sharington. Of any church or chapel specially
belonging to the monks there are no remains. The church
close by has some very ancient features.
Avon, or Aven. Free chapel, near Christian Malford. The history
of this (so far as known) is given in the notes to Wiltshire
258 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wiits.
Collections, Aubrey & Jackson, p. 53. To which may be
added that, as part of ancient property derived from the Pavely
family, it belonged in 1535, to Edward, Lord Stourton.
AxrorD, near Ramsbury. ‘Chapel to Ramsbury destructa.”
[Liber Regis.] This is now part of the house of Mr. John
Rowland at Axford, and is used asa dairy. The architecture
is supposed to be of about Edw. III.
Barn Court. See Whiteparish, infrd.
Baynton, or Brynton, in the parish of Edingdon, N. Wilts,
(Whorwellsdown Hundred.) Anciently a rectory church, in
the presentation of the family of Rous. In the Wilts Insti-
tutions are the names of the Rectors from 1310 to 1439. It
is sometimes called the church, sometimes the chapel of Bayn-
ton: and the presentee is called in the Chartulary of Edingdon
Priory, “Rector of the chapel of Baynton.” The manor and
advowson of the church, or chapel, was given to Edingdon
Priory, temp. Hen. VI. by the Rous family ; and the building
was allowed to perish at or before the Reformation. A field
called ‘Chapel Close,” lies between Tynhead and West
Coulston, near the site of the old mansion house of the
Danvers family, close to the high road. In that field was found
some years ago a copper signaculum, having the B. V. M. on
one side, and a chalice on the other.
BrckuHampton, in Avebury parish (Selkley Hundred); sometimes
spelled Bakhampton, or Bakenton. Here was a Free Chapel
of St. Vincent. Henry de Moigne was patron in 1302. In
1 Edw. VI., John Warner, or Waryner, was the last Incum-
bent. Clear yearly value, £4 8s. See notes to Wilts Col-
lections, Aubrey & Jackson, p. 3831. It is marked “ Bakenton
Free Chapel” on the map in the Val. Eccles. The chapel
and tithes were purchased from the Crown in Philip and
Mary, by — Southcote.
Bepwyn, Great, (Kinwardstone Hundred.) Of four destroyed
chapels, out of the five that stood in this parish, an account is
given by the late Rev. John Ward in Wilts Arch. Magazine,
vi., p. 270, viz. :—
ee
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 259
1. At Easr Grarron was St. Nicholas, which was presented to
so late as A.D. 1579, and which stood in a field nearly opposite
to the present new church (built 1844). The foundations of
the old chapel with debris of stained glass and pavement tiles,
were dug up and removed in the year 1844. In plan, it was
a simple parallelogram, with two buttresses at each angle ;
the interior dimensions having been 53 feet long, by 17 feet
6 inches wide. An ancient pax found close by, is figured in
Wilts Arch. Mag. vi., 271. The chapel anciently belonged
to St. Margaret’s Priory, Marlborough.
2. Cuispury; the Free Chapel of Sr. Martin, presented to in
A.D. 1496 by the Bishop of Salisbury, by lapse. The building
still remains, and is a beautiful specimen of decorated archi-
tecture: 52 feet 6 inches long, and 20 feet 2 inches wide,
inside. It stands within the old entrenchment, called Chisbury
camp.
3. At Knowt, 1} miles west of Chisbury, was a chapel, of
which there is no known record: but parts of the building
remain.
4. Marten. The foundations of a chapel, 47 feet long, by 19 feet
6 inches wide, were discovered here in November, 1858, by
Mr. Henry Selfe, in a meadow opposite the manor house, and
close to a remarkable moated inclosure. A ground plan, a
carving in ivory 10 inches high, representing the Virgin and
Child, found near here, and some fragments of stained glass
with the arms of the Malwyn family (of West Grafton, in 44
Edw. III.) are drawn in the 6th vol. of the Wilts Arch. Mag.
p- 273.
Benttzy Woop. Forest of Clarendon, (Alderbury Hundred.)
William Longespée, Earl of Salisbury (jure uzoris), commenced
or at least intended a monastic establishment, which is twice
mentioned in his will dated 1225. “TI assign £200 towards
the building of St. Mary of the Essart! of Bentle-wood.
}
;
: 7
;
q
;
1Essart, or more commonly Assart land, was cleared woodland. This, being
an injury to vert and venison in the King’s forest, was a very great trespass i
done without license. Sometimes license was granted, and then Assart rents
260 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
Item: to the House of St. Mary of Bentle-wood, my feast-
day chapel furniture which I have been accustomed to carry
with me, except two vials of silver. I also bequeath to the
same House my book, called a porte-hois” (a portable book of
prayers, or breviary): “also 20 cows, 300 ewes, 100 muttons,
32 oxen, 30 goats, and 100 porkers.” No other record res-
pecting this house is known. It has been thought [Hist. of
Lacock, p. 145], that this foundation may have merged
in the subsequent foundation of Lacock Abbey by his widow
Ela, Countess of Sarum. [See Mod. Wilts, Alderbury, p. 127.]
BerecH, or Bariecu Chapel, (Hundred of Bradford.) It is not
certain where this was. It occurs seven times in the Sarum
Episcopal Registers, as a chapel in the gift of the Prior of
Monkton Farley, from A.D. 1323 to 13849. In Domesday
book, mention is made of a manor of “‘ Berrelege,” which the
Exon Domesday places in the Hundred of Bradford. The
Rev. W. H. Jones, editor of the Wilts Domesday, p. 198,
says that the name of Berlegh is now lost, and that the manor
cannot be identified: but he thinks that it was probably near
Monkton Farley and Cumberwell. ‘‘ Berrifield,” “ Berfield,”
or “ Bearfield,” is still the name of some lands immediately
overhanging the town of Bradford. [See Wraxhall, South,
infra. |
Beversprook, near Calne, (Hundred of Calne.) A presentation
to a chapel here occurs in the Wilts Institutions, A.D. 1298,
Sir Hugh Blount being patron.
Bippeston Sr. Perer’s, near Chippenham, (Hundred of Chippen-
ham.) The small parish church of this very small parish was
“‘lamentably ruined and converted into a barn,” in Aubrey’s
were paid to the Crown. The name of this chapel is given in the English
extract from Longespee’s will in the History of Alderbury, as here printed,
“St, Mary of the Essart.”’ What the word in the original will may be,
whether French or Latin, I know not: but it has been suggested to me by the
Rev. E. Wilton, of West Lavington, that possibly the dedication may have been
to ‘St. Mary of the Desert,”—i.e. Mary of Egypt, a saint who, according to her
history in the Golden Legend, passed 47 years in the desert, until the hair of
her head provided her with a mantle down to her knees.
Pe Td ae ae
By the Rev. J. EB. Jackson. 261
time (1660). It was entirely taken down about 1840. The
bell turret is preserved in the gardens of Mr. Scrope’s house
at Castle Combe. [See Wilts Collections, Aubrey & Jackson,
p- 54, note.| An account of it, with illustrations, was pub-
lished by Mr. T. L. Walker, in ‘“‘ Examples of Gothic Archi-
tecture,” 3rd series, part ili.
Binxnoit, or Bynott. Under the down between Cliff Pypard and
Wroughton. A chapel here is named in Pope Nicholas’s
Taxation, A.D. 1291, as a Rectory worth £3 6s. 8d., belonging
to the Prior of St. Denis, Southampton. It is also named in
the Nonarum Inquis. A.D. 1340.
Birpiyme. See Burgelon, infrd.
Bowpon, in the parish of Lacock. Aubrey (c. 1660) mentions
that in the old manor house there was ‘‘a little chamber
chapell yet remaining, with the crucifix in the window.” The
old house was taken down about 1770.
Boyton, (Hundred of Heytesbury.) A chantry in the parish
church called in 1326 a “ Presbiteratus.” It was probably
founded by the Giffard family, and is described in Sir R. C.
Hoare’s Heytesbury, p. 206.
Bravenstoke Priory of Black Canons, dedicated to St. Mary,
(Hundred of Kingsbridge.) Part of the priory remains, but
the church belonging to it was destroyed. Some glazed tiles
forming probably part of the floor of it, were dug up a few
years ago in the ground behind the house, on the south side.
The founder was Walter of Salisbury, c. 1242.
BraprFiE_p, in Hullavington parish, (Hundred of Malmesbury.)
At an old manor house here Aubrey says, “tne chapel stood ;”’
but there are now no remains of it.
Braprorp on Avon, (Hundred of Bradford on Avon.) In this
. town we have notices of six old ecclesiastical buildings, besides
the parish church.
1. The very ancient Monastery of St. Lawrence, founded by St.
Aldhelm, A.D. 705, given to Shaftesbury Abbey, A.D. 1001.
Any chapel in it, may perhaps have been succeeded by
. 2. The ancient Saxon Cuurcu; still standing on the north
262 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
side of the parish church, and with ground about it called the
Abbey yard. Of this a full description and drawings are
given by the Rev. W. H. Jones, Wilts Arch. Mag. vol. v., 247.
3. Tory Chapel of Our Lady, supposed to be called from the Tor,
or high hill on which it stands: or perhaps a corruption of
*Ora-tory.” This little chapel, of which some portion is left,
is built over a noble spring of water, called ‘ Lady well,”
which supplies the town. For drawing and description, see
Wilts Arch. Mag. v., 35.
4. Sr. Oxave’s (destroyed.) See ditto.
5. Sr. Caruarine’s (destroyed). See ditto.
6. CHAPEL on THE Brincg, still remaining. See view asi des-
cription, Wilts Mag. v., 37.
In the parish church were two chantries: the first endowed
7 Hen. V. by Reginald Halle, at the altar of St. Nicholas ;
the other, Horton’s chantry, of which William Furbner was
incumbent 1 Edw. VI.: the clear value being £11 5s. 1ld. a
year. ‘This had been founded purposely for mayntenance of
a Free Schoole, and for none other intent, which the said
incumbent hath kept accordinglie ever sithe the foundation.”
[Survey 1 Edw. VI.]
Brapiey, Nortu, (Whorwellsdown Hundred.) In the Church
was Greynvile’s, or Grevyle’s (corrupted to Greenfield’s)
chantry: Hugh Lloyd was cantarist, 1534: value £6. 7s. a
year. — Baltazar wasincumbent, 1. Edw. VI. In thechurch,
on the north side, there is also a pretty little mortuary chapel
still remaining, erected by John Stafford, Archbishop of
Canterbury, A.D., 1443-1452, in honor of his mother who
was buried there. The Stafford family were owners of South-
wick Court in the parish. See Southwick, infra.
Briontune. Speed and Gervase of Canterbury assign a priory of
black Canons, dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, to a place of
this name in Wilts where no snch name isknown. The place
intended may have been Brimpton, co. Berks, (formerly in the
Diocese of Sarum), where there was a religious house.
Bromuam, (Hundred of Potterne and Cannings.) In the church,
:
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 263
a chantry chapel of the B. V. M., and St. Nicholas, founded
about the end of the 15th century, by Richard Beauchamp,
Lord St. Amand. [Wilts Instit. p. 185.] Worth in lands
at Stockley in Calne, Abury, Rockley, Bremhill, and Bromham,
£11. 13. 4., less certain small annual payments to Lord Zouche,
the college of Fotheringhay, Sir Henry Long, the Abbot of
Battle, co. Sussex, and—Grene, Lord of Rockley. William
Slade was cantarist in 1534. In 1650, Sir John Danvers
purchased “divers lands and tenements that were parcell of
the Chantry of Bromham, 20s. a year.” This chapel still
exists, containing some curious brasses, glass in good preser-
vation, and altar-tomb. [See Kite’s Wilts Brasses. ]
Burza Cuapet. This name is introduced here only in order to
warn students of Wilts Topography, that there was no such
building. In ‘‘Antiquitates Salisb. (Letwych) p. 87, and in
Hundred of Alderbury, p. 127, (Hoare’s Mod. Wilts), it is
stated on the authority of an English ¢rans/ation from a Latin
charter, that Ela Countess of Sarum gave to St. Nicholas’s
Hospital at Salisbury in A.D. 1227, a certain part of Bentley
Wood, (near East Grimstead) “with the Chapel of Bulea.”
Search, and re-search having been made through all sorts of
Wilts records for this “‘ Capella de Bulea” without success,
it turns out by reference to the original Latin Charter, printed
in Hatcher & Benson’s History of Salisbury, p. 728, that the
words supposed by some translator to be ‘‘ Capella de Bulea”
really are “ Clausa de Ruelea,” viz:—certain enclosures called
Rulea, i. e. probably rough leases. So that ‘‘ Bulea chapel”’
is a non-entity.
Buut-srice. St. Peter’s, near Wilton. A chantry here was
founded by one Thomas le Porter, Vicar of Bolebryg: the
chaplain to be paid out of an endowment granted bythe said
Vicar to St. John’s Priory, Wilton. (Mortival Registry, Sarum,
A.D. 1825.) It was confiscated at the Reformation; the
value being then £11 10s. 4d. a year. See Wilton infra.
Bursace, (Kinwardstone Hundred.) A lateral projection of the
north aisle at the east end, bears the name of the Seymour
264 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts
chapel: but there is nothing on record about foundation or
endowment.
Burpon’s Batt Cuaret, in Ditchampton, near Wilton (close to
Bull-bridge just mentioned). This is marked by name on the
map of the Valor Ecciles.: and in that record (p. 100, Wilts)
it is stated that there were two chapels annexed to South
Newton: viz., Burdon’s Ball, and Ugford.
Burceton CHAPEL, (sometimes called Burcuen, BurGHLEN, or
BirpiyMe); a chantry in Porton Chapel, parish of Idmiston,
(Alderbury Hundred): dedicated to St. Nicholas, and probably
founded by Lucia Burgelon, patroness of Porton Chapel in
1323 (Hist. of Alderbury, p. 74). Giles Crockford, et. 50,
was cantarist 1 Edw. VI. Clear yearly value lls. His
pension the same. ‘Never charged with tenths.” [Aug.
Office. ]
Burnevate. See Malmsbury, infra.
Burton Hitt. See Malmsbury.
Busuton, in Cliff Pypard, (Kingsbridge Hundred.) That there
was a chapel here before the Reformation, appears from an
“Original Survey of Crown Estates in co. Wilts, A.D. 1549,”
among the Marquis of Bath’s documents at Longleat. In
that volume is a copy of a lease, dated 12th August, 25 Hen.
VIII., whereby the Prior and Convent of St. Swithin’s, Win-
ton, granted to Thomas Stephens and others of his family, for
76 years, the site of the manor of Bushton, and ail their
“store and utensils,” including “one pair of vestments, one
‘corporale,’ one ‘subaltare,’ one missal, one chalice with a
paten of silver, two cruets, a napkin, and a frontal belonging
to the chapel, together with the chapel,” &c. There is no
mention of any payments to a chaplain, or of any services.
CatLors or CaytLeways. See Titherton Kellaways, infra.
CatnE. In the parish Church were two Chantries, both founded by
the St. Lo family. In I Edw. VI., one of these, then worth £8
9s. 10d. a year, was held by Edward Brewer, and the other, worth
£4 3s. 63d, by John Somerfield. The titles of these chantries
appear to have been “St. Mary Magdalen’s,”’ and “Our Lady’s.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 265
In the Wilts Instit., one Presentation only occurs, A.D. 1537.
At Calne there was also a Free Chapel or Priory of St. John
of Jerusalem, then worth £4 4s. 11d. In1 Edw. VI., William
Blake aged 26 years was Incumbent. ‘“ Mem. The said
Incumbent is no preest: but had the said Pryory or Free
Chapel given hym for his exhibition, to fynd hym to the
Schole.” (Augm. Off.)
In or near the North Field at Calne is ground called “ The
Armitage,” which is perhaps a corruption of Hermitage.
CuapenwycHeE. See Mere, infrd.
_ Cuarrrexp, Lirrie or West, (near Bradford on Avon.) The little
“%
Church now standing close by the interesting old manor house
of Chalfield is the parish Church of Great Chalfield. A small
district adjoining is called Litt/e Chalfield, which, it seems,
once had a church or chapel of its own. Great Chalfield
church, now standing, is not much larger than a good sized
room. The church of Chalfield Parva must have been very
small indeed. The late Rector of Chalfield, the Rev. Richard
Warner, says, (in Gent. Mag., March, 1838) that Little Chal-
field belonged to Sherborne Abbey, co. Dorset. This is incorrect.
He was misled by a similarity of names (Bradford, &c.) in the
two counties of Dorset and Wilts. The patronage of Little
Chalfield, from A.D. 13862 to 1537, (when it disappears,) was
in the lay families of Percy, Rous of Imber, co. Wilts, John
Boorne, John Westbury, and Hawise Westbury his widow.
There are no remaius of the building.
Cuaret Knap, in Corsham parish, (Hundred of Chippenham.)
In A.D. 1519 the Tropenell family had the manor of Neston,
with the chapel of St. John Baptist, and a close adjoining in
the Ridge in Neston. Of this chapel (destroyed and forgotten),
I was first made aware by some extracts shown to me that
had been taken by a Mr. Waldron many years ago, out of the
“ Book of Tropenell,” a MS. volume (relating to the estates of
that old Wilts family) which has been long lost sight of, but
was in the custody of Mr. Dickinson, of Bowdon, in 1744.
Further evidence has been since met with, viz., among the
266 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
Charters in the British Museum. In “ Addit. MS. 6368, fol.
175,” it is mentioned that the Tropenells had in 1519, “the
manor of Neston, with the chapel of St. John Baptist there,
and close adjoyning in the Rygge, in Neston.” And “ Add.
MS. 5140,” is a Latin deed, the substance of which in English
is as follows :—
15 Hen. VIII., AD. 1523, 5th June. Thomas Tropenell grants to Thomas |
Englefield, Serjeant-at-Law, William Gale, and others. ‘‘ All his manor
of Great Chalfield, &c,: also all his lands, &c.,in New Sarum, Fisherton 1
Aucher, Hertham in the parish of Cosham, Neston Cosham, and Cosham
londe, with the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, and close adjoining in Le
Rigge in Cosham londe, &c. To the use of the said Thomas Tropenell )
and his heirs for ever, for the fulfilment of the purposes of his Last Will. |
Endorsed, ‘ Delivery and seisin had 1 July by John Howell, Atty.’ ”
CuaAreEL Piaysrer, between Corsham and Bradford. The name is
probably Playstow, meaning an open place for village recrea-
tions. This chapel which is within the parish of Box, near
the meeting of six different roads, by the way-side at the end
of Corsham Ridge, is still standing. It is 29 feet long by
about 9 feet wide, has a chancel, north transept, nave and little
bell-cot, with a porch and holy water stoup. Its real history
is not known, but the tradition about it in Aubrey’s time
(c. 1660). was that it had been a sort of way-side oratory, with
small lodging house attached, for pilgrims travelling to Glaston-
bury. This is not improbable, for the same thing occurs in
other parts of England, and in other countries, as in Spain.
“Pilgrims to St. James of Compostella being very numerous
and sometimes hindered by the difficulties of the journey, and
the roughness and barrenness of those parts, the canons of St.
Eloy with a desire of remedying these evils, built in many
places along the whole road which reached as far as France,
hospitals for the reception of Pilgrims.” [Cary’s Dante iii.,
253.] The word “hospital,” now confined in England to
public receptacles for sick, originally meant a house for recep-
tion of guests: an inn. For more about Chapel Playster, see
Wilts Collections, Aubrey & Jackson, p. 59.
CxarLton, between Devizes and Pewsey, (Hundred of Swan-
a ee
«
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 267
borough.) At Charlton was an Alien Priory Cell to the Pre-
monstratensian Abbey of L’isle Dieu, which was founded by
Reginald de Pavely, A.D. 1187: ard he being a great Wilts
landowner, added to its support by some of his property in
this county. On suppression, temp. Rich. II., Charlton Cell
was given to St. Katharine’s Hospital, near the Tower, London.
Eton Oollege had it for seven years, temp. Hen. VI. A grant
to the Canons of Windsor, in Edw. IV., had no effect, owing
to a prior grant to Fotheringhay College: with which, at the
Dissolution, it was sold to Sir William Sherington.
Charlton Church (St. Peter’s), was formerly a chapelry of
Upavon: and Upavon Church, belonged (as an Alien Cell) to St.
Wandragesil’s in Normandy. When taken, upon suppression,
from the Norman House, Upavon Church was given to Ivy
Church monastery in Wilts, 1 Hen. VI. Charlton Vicarage
is now in the gift of Christ Church, Oxon.
A small chapel on the north side of the nave of Charlton
Church, was (according to an inscribed brass now against the
wall) “defied by William Chaucey, who died A.D. 1424,
and was there buried.” A piscina in the wall shows that
there was once an altar: but there is no record to throw fur-
ther light upon its history. [See Kite’s Wilts Brasses, p. 49. ]
Cuetworty, near Cricklade, (Hundred of Ditto.) A ruined chapel
here is mentioned in a grant by Walter Camme, Abbot of
Malmsbury, c. 1361. “Two crofts near the decayed chapel of
Chelewrden on the westside,called Church-croftes,[apud fractam
Capellam de Chelewrden ex parte Occidentali quee Church-
croftes appellantur.” [See Mr. J. Y. Akerman’s paper,
Archeologia, vol. xxxvii., 1857, p. 264. ]
Cueverett, Lrrriz. (Swanborough Hundred.) In the parish
church was a chantry of St. Mary. The first patron named
is Sir Alexander de Cheverell, A.D. 1297. [Wilts Inst.] It
afterwards belonged to successive owners of certain property
: in the parish—Pyke, Courtenay, St. Lo, and Botreaux.
: Curiton Forror,(Kinwardstone Hundred, near Hungerford.) In the
___ church was a chantry which, A.D. 1335, “ William de Stapleton
VOL. X.—NO. XXX. T
f
268
Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
obtained from the Lady Alice de Lisle, patroness of the church.
[ Wilts Instit., p. 31.]
CuiprenHAM, (Hundred of Ditto.) In the parish church, St.
Andrew’s, were two chantries. The chapels still remain.
1. Sr. Mary’s, at the east end of the south aisle, founded by
Walter, Lord Hungerford, K.G., 1442. John Salwey was
Chaplain, 1459, Thomas Clerk, 1494, William Pole, 1534, and
Richard Whygmore, 1547, when it was dissolved, and the
lands belonging to it were sold to Henry Goldney, being
then worth £11 6s. 12d. a year.
2. Sr. Joun tHe Baptist. This was part of the property of
Monkton Farley Priory. The priory was granted to Edward
Seymour, Earl of Hertford, (the Prorzcror): but St. John’s
chantry, worth then £5 a year, was bought by Mr. Berwick,
of Wilcote (the Earl’s steward). On the south side of the church
is a chapel which may have been St. John Baptist’s: but it rather
seems to have been built by the Beauchamps of Bromham,
and bears still the name of their successors the Bayntons.
There was a third endowed priest, the chaplain of the
fraternity or brotherhood of St. Katherine, but the site of
any chapel or altar of this dedication is not known. The last
Chaplain was John Jekell, in 1547, wt 80 years. Value £4
9s. lld. These lands were also bought by Mr. Henry Goldney.
The priests of these three chantries assisted the Vicar of
Chippenham in the administration of the sacraments.
An ancient stone was found in the floor of the Parish Church
in 1847, mentioning “ Clerk and Alice his wyfe” as founders
of a chantry, the particulars of which are lost.
Cutspury. See Bedwyn Great, suprd.
Cutsensury, in Enford parish, (Elstub and Everley Hundred.)
“The chapel hath been down many years.” [Report prefixed
to the Valor Eccles. |
Currrerne Az Saints, (Hundred of Heytesbury.) In this parish,
Walter D’Eureux, owner of Chitterne manor, gave (inter alia)
to the priory of Bradenstoke which he had founded, the Free
Chapel of St. Andrew de Cettra, (Chitterne). His son Patrick
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 269
recovered it from the monks in exchange for land at Wilcote:
but at a later period Ela D’Eureux, Foundress of Lacock
Abbey, Countess of Sarum, and wife of William Longespée,
restored it with certain lands to Bradenstoke. The chapel
was in existence in 1841, (15 Edw. III). It is called in
Tanner, the Chapel of Chitterne. There is at Chitterne All
Saints, an old gabled building with an ornamented gateway
adjoining it, but of much later date: formerly the Michell’s,
now Mr. Hayward’s. Behind this old building some stone
coffins have been dug up, and there is a belief that the chapel
stood upon that spot.
In the parish church, Edward Morgan, (Lessee of the lands
then belonging in the parish to Lacock Abbey) founded in 20
Hen. VIII. a Chantry Chapel, worth £6 13s. 4d.a year. This
may have been a small building that stood on the north side.
The Rectory belonged to the College de Valle, or Vaux, of
of Sarum. On the floor of the chancel have been lately found
encaustic tiles bearing the arms of Simon Sydenham, Dean of
Sarum 1418, and William Alnewyke, Archdeacon of Sarum
1420 (a cross flory). The College de Vaux was in the patron-
age of the Dean and Chapter of Sarum.
Reger Sr. Mary’s. This Rectory was appropriated to the
Dean and Chapter of Sarum before 1291. In this church
also was a small Chantry Chapel; founder unknown.
Cuirror, near Bromham, (Hundred of Potterne and Cannings.)
There was a, chapel here in A.D. 1534, towards which the
Vicar of Bishops Cannings paid to the Rector of Bromham
6s. 8d. per annum. [Valor Eccles., p. 1382.] The present
church was built in 1845.
Cuurez, (Kinwardstone Hundred.) In the church was a Chantry
Chapel. Thomas Bridges was cantarist in 1534. Value
£3 18s. 4d., paying 7s. rent to the Abbot of Hyde. [Valor
Eccles.] Both Vicarage and Chantry are marked on the map
in the Valor Eccles.
In the house of John Collins, Esq., of Chute, there was a
Private Chapel: at the consecration of which, by Seth Ward,
T
EE
Bishop of Sarum, a sermon was preached 25th September,
1673, by Joseph Kelsey, B.D., Rector of Newton Tony, in
Wilts.
CLARENDON Paxace, near Salisbury, (Hundred of Alderbury.)
This was a favourite country residence of several of our early
Kings: but by which of them it was originally built is not
certainly known. It had a Chapel of All Saints founded by
Hen. II., in which the ministrations were supplied by the
Canons of Ivy Church, a monastery adjoining the pale of
Clarendon Park. A new chapel was built, temp. Hen. III.
A font is mentioned in 35 Hen. III., A.D. 1250-1. Sir
R. ©. Hoare (Alderbury, p. 152), has some curious particulars
about the paintings and other embellishments of the Royal
Chapel. In 1272 (1 Edw. 1.) there were in the palace two
chapels, one for the King, the other for the Queen.
Ciatrorp, (Hundred of Selkley, near Marlborough.) An Alien
Priory, belonging to St. Victor en Caux in Normandy, founded
temp. Will. I. by Sir Roger Mortimer. On suppression it
was granted to Eton College, but went afterwards by exchange
to the Protector Duke of Somerset.
A chapel is mentioned as here in A.D. 1441-2. “20 Hen.
VI. John Wodeford of Marlborough took away a certain stone
in front of the altar in Clatford Chapel, worth 40d., and
carried it to Marlborough.” [Jones’s Index, Ing. ad q. dam-
num, p. 384. ]
Coprorp Sr. Mary, (Hundred of Heytesbury.) In connection
with Codford Church was a Hermirace. Of these solitary
institutions, we have historical evidence in a few other parishes
in Wilts (as at Fisherton Anger, near Salisbury): traditions
of them in many. A Religious Hermit was however, not the
ideal tenant of a cave on a hill side or in a forest, living on
roots and berries: but (to use Dr. Ingram’s words in his “ Me-
morials of Codford Church,” from which the following account
is borrowed) “‘ Hermits had public duties to perform. They
were not permitted to retire from the world and avoid its
burthens at their own will and pleasure, under the pretence of
270 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wiits.
:
|
I
ie? tlds
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 271
spiritual abstraction.” Sometimes they lived in little chapels
on bridges, or by the way-side: receiving offerings at the
shrine, which they were bound to collect and devote to the
repair of the bridge, the road, or the chapel.
A royal license of Mortmain was required for the foundation
of the hermitage at Codford. This in the original Latin is
printed at the end of Sir R. C. Hoare’s Heytesbury. Its
substance in English is thus :—
Rot. Pat. 10 Edw. II. “For our Brother Henry Marsh
the Hermit.”
«Know ye, that we of our special grace, &c., have given
license to our beloved Oliver de Ingham, to assign two acres
of land in East Codford, in a place called Crouchland, to our
beloved brother in Christ, Henry de Marey’s Chaplain and
Hermit, to construct anew in that place a chapel in honour of
the Holy Cross, and houses fit for habitation, in order to cele-
brate therein Divine Service every day for the souls of our
predecessors, and those of the predecessors of the said Oliver.”
(The rest is merely formal.) In testimony, &c., witness the
King himself at. Westminster the 6th day of June (1317).
Sir R. C. Hoare says [Heytesbury, p. 231] that east of the
village is a projecting point of the down, clothed with wood
on the side towards Codford, round the outsides of which are
eight venerable yew trees. This in old maps is called Her-
mitage Hill: and it was commonly supposed that upon that
inclement spot dwelt Henry de Mareys. But Dr. Ingram
suggested that the remains of an old house close to the church,
of which no better history could be given, had been the Her-
mitage: the land on the hill being the two acres assigned for
maintenance. For female hermits, or Anchoritesses, see
Preshute, infrd.
Comsz, in Enford parish, (Elstub and Everley Hundred.) There
is in Harleian MS., No. 1623, p. 17 (British Museum), a
Deed about this chapel, in which the name of Robert Dyngley,
Lord of the Manor of Fittleton is mentioned. The site of the
chapel is still visible, and a field bears the name.
272 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
Corsuam, (Hundred of Chippenham.) There is much indistinct-
ness about the ancient ecclesiastical establishments here. Men-
tion is made of an Alien Priory, dependent as a Cell upon St.
Stephen’s at Caen, to which the Rectorial tithe belonged.
Also of another (but query if it were not the same), a Cell to
the monastery of Marmoustier at Tours. Corsham Rectory
was afterwards given to the monastery of Syon in Middlesex,
and ultimately to Philip Moore. |
Of a “Nunnery” at Corsham, traditionally talked of by
the inhabitants in Aubrey’s time, [see Tanner, note, p. 602]
there is no known history. The same may be said of a “Chapel
of St. Bartholomew,” imagined to have been “at the north
end of the church-yard.” The parish church is dedicated to
that Saint.
The north chancel in the parish church is sometimes called
‘*Hanham’s Aisle,” from a family of that name formerly
owners of Neston in this parish. But it was no doubt built
by the Tropenell family, still earlier owners of Neston. It is
described in Wilts Collections, Aubrey & Jackson, p. 81,
82. I have never seen any notice of any endowment of this
chapel.
“Our Lapy Lanps.” A benefactor, whose name has not survived,
gave, before the Reformation, certain lands by feoffment “to
the finding of a priest within the parish church of Corsham
to assist the Vicar: which lands were given for that intent
because the vicarage was so small a living that he was not able
to hire a curate tokeephim.” In 1547 (1 Edw. VI.) William
Lewys, aged 60 years, was this stipendiary Imcumbent. He
was called “‘ Our Lady’s Priest,” and performed divine service,
said masses, &c. in the church and chapel there for the soul of
the said benefactor. A chalice, and other goods and ornaments —
belonging to this service were in the hands of the feoffees of
the lands in 1547.
These lands are well known in Corsham as the “ Feoffee
Lands.” The income arising from them has been for many
years applied, not to the purpose for which they were origin-
i a i ee ee eee _
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 273
ally given, but to three fresh uses, viz:—the repair of the
parish church, the maintenance of the poor, and the repair of
bridges.
The chapel of St. John Baptist, formerly at Chapel Knap
in this parish, has been mentioned above.
In the Alms-house at Corsham founded by Margaret, Lady
Hungerford, who died 1672, is a chapel for the use of the
alms-people. It is mentioned in the original regulations of
the foundress.
Corstey, near Warminster. ‘‘ Kingston Court Chapel” in this
village, was anciently a chapel belonging to the estate of the
Kingstons, a Knightly family owners here. It afterwards
belonged to St. John’s Hospital, Wilton. In 37 Hen. VIII.
(1545-6), it was under lease for 41 years to John Holwey. In
18 Eliz. (1570), John Dyshe, Prior of St. John’s, Wilton, and
the brethren and sisters of the same, leased it to John
Medlicott of Bishopstrow, near Warminster, who under-let it
12th August, 18 Eliz., to Thomas Thynne of Longbridge
Deverell. (Paper at Longleat.)
In 13 Eliz. (1589), Sir Walter Hungerford of Farley Castle,
was owner (by purchase from Edward Boughton, Esq.) of the
manor of Corsleigh Kingston, alias Little Corsleigh. In his
Rent Roll of that year (in my possession), it is stated that
whereas the great tithes of little Corsley were payable to a
Prebendary of Wells Cathedral, the farmer of Little Corsley
further paid one acre of corn yearly, “ which acre hath been
paid in tyme paste as it hath been reported, for that the same
Prebender shoulde come to Lytle Corsleigh Chappell and sey
certeyne masses to the number of Twenty and foure every
yeare, and also Foure sermons every yeare.” Some more
particulars may be found in Sir R. C. Hoare’s History of
Warminster, p. 64, where it is stated that some remains of
the chapel still exist, on a farm belonging in 1831 to Mr.
Cope.
Corton, formerly Cortington; parish of Boyton, (Hundred of
Heytesbury.) A chapel founded by the Drewys family was
274 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
in existence before 1291, in which year the “ Rector’s” in-
come was valued by the Taxation of Pope Nicholas, at £2 per
annum. He had another benefice. The first institution is in
1304, the last 1395, After being united to Boyton, it seems
to have fallen to decay. It is not noticed in the Valor of
Hen. VIII.: and no trace of it remains. A place called
Chapel Hole, between Boyton and Corton, is pointed out by
the rustics as the spot where a church was once swallowed up
by diabolical agency. Sir R. C. Hoare concurs with the tra-
dition so far as to think that the chapel stood not far from the
spot. [History of Heytesbury, p. 218. ]
Corton, (a/ids Corston) in Hilmerton parish, (Hundred of Kings-
bridge.) The Free Chapel of Corton was, A.D. 1344, in the
gift of the family of Russell of Bradenstoke: by whose heiress
Johanna, wife of Quatermaine, it was sold in 1434 to Walter
Lord Hungerford, K.G. By a Deed of 1442 (a copy of which
is in my possession), Lord Hungerford annexed it to the
chantry of St. Mary in Heytesbury church. Yet presentations
to Corton or Corston chapel, occur in the Wilts Institutions
at a later date: and in 1 Edw. VI. (1547), as appears bya
Survey in the Court of Augmentations, the Free Chapel of
Corton in Hilmerton, was returned as worth £3 6s. 8d. a year:
William Standyshe aged 40 years, being the Incumbent. The
chapel is destroyed. The site is traditionally pointed out in
a field on the western side of Corton farm house, on the slope
of the downs. It is named on the map of the Valor Eccles.
Cowsrietp Lovrraz. See Whiteparish infrd.
CowsrieLp Sritman. See ditto.
Cricxtapg. In 1547 (1. Edw. VI.) there was here a free chapel
of St. John in the priory or hospital of St. John. The prefect
was collated by the Bishop of Salisbury. Thomas Parham,
aged 70 years, was incumbent. Value per ann. £4 15s. 8d.
It is mentioned in the Rolls of Parliament, ii., 413.: and in
Prynne iii., 709, as here in 25 Edw. I. No remains of it are
to be found.
CuMBERWELL, now in the district of Christ Church, Bradford on
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 275
Avon, on the road from Bradford to Bath. ‘A chapel here
is mentioned expressly in the deeds by which Henry VIII.
bestowed the Rectorial Tithes and the advowson of the churches
and chapels” (of Bradford) ‘‘on the Dean and Chapter of
Bristol.” [Rev. W. H. Jones, History of Bradford, Wilts
Arch. Mag. v., 37.]
Daunteszy, (Hundred of Malmesbury.) In Ecton, p. 403, and
Bacon’s Liber Regis, p. 885, this church is entered as “‘ Daun-
tesey R. (St. James) cum capelid westenD.” Nothing is known
now in the parish about such ancient chapel, or such name as
Westend. The only approach to an explanation that it is in
my power to make, is, that there certainly was on the
far side of the parish, at a small hamlet called Smithcote, a
chapel dedicated to ‘“‘Saint Anne.” It was long since des-
troyed. See Smithcote, infra.
Desrencer’s. A license was granted by the Pope in 1256, to
John Despencer to have a chapel on his estate, owing to dis-
tance from the parish church. [Rymer i., 610.] Where
this was is uncertain: perhaps Fasterne in Wotton Basset.
DevereLL, (Kingston Deverell, Hundred of Mere.) In Sir R. C.
Hoare’s Mere, p. 143, is an extract from Bishop Osmund’s
Register (A.D. 1099), relating to Mere church, which mentions
a chapel at Deverell, belonging to that church. “Item, alia
capella apud Deverell, quam tenet Walterus Decanus pro 4
marcis, per 4 terminos anni, et est CAPELLA DE Sto. ANDREA,
et est de dominico Canonicorum Cenomansium, quorum terram
habet Ricardus de Derneferd ad firmam.” This “chapel”
probably stood in that part of Kingston Deverell which an-
ciently belonged to the Canons of Lisieux in Normandy. [See
} Mere, p. 138. ]
Devizes. In 1547, a chantry called “the Free Chapel of St. John
Baptist’? was confiscated, its property being £3 13s. 2d.,
a year: Robert Peade aged 63 years, Incumbent. Mr.
Waylen, the historian of Devizes, says that the present
parish church of St. John’s was itself anciently called
the Free Chapel of St. John; but there is so much confusion
of terms in the early notices of the ecclesiastical buildings of
276
Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wiits.
Devizes, that it is difficult to pronounce with certainty what
the case really was. For instance, a chantry is mentioned as
“within the chapel of St. John the Baptist in the parish of
St. Mary; of the foundation of Richard Cardmaker, worth
£3 8s. 4d.” Another in the “parish church of St. John,
founded by John Cardmaker, value £6 3s. 4d. for a priest to
pray at the altar of St. Leonard within the said church, for
the soul of the said John Cardmaker.” It is probable that both
the above were within St. John’s church: and that there has
been some verbal error in the accounts and description of
them in various returns from time to time. In the same
church, on the south side, is an annexed chapel, built most
probably by the family of Beauchamp of Bromham: but no
account of its origin or endowment has been met with.
In St. Mary’s were three chantries: two founded by John
Coventry, Junior, Mayor of Devizes in 14386: the third by
William Coventry. [See Mr. Kite’s account of them in Wilts
Arch. Mag., vol. ii., pp. 250, 253.] There were two Hospitals
in or near St. John’s church-yard: one founded for lepers
before A.D. 1207. The Prior of the Hospital of St. John
was instituted by the Bishop of Sarum in 1314.
Dinton, (lies in Dunworth, but belongs to Warminster Hundred.)
The late Mr. Britton says (Beauties of Wilts iii., 327), that
‘near the site of the present mansion was a Cell or monastic
building, for the residence of six nuns belonging to the mon-
astery of Shaftesbury.” The manor belonged to Shaftesbury
Abbey: but Sir R. C. Hoare, in Modern Wilts, says nothing
about the Cell at Dinton.
Dircnampton. See Wilton, injfrd.
Downton, (Hundred of Ditto.) In a Survey of Chantries, 1 Edw.
VI. 1547, is “ Burnell’s Chantry founded within the parish
church of Downton: Alen Meyrick, aged 56 years, Incumbent.
Clear yearly value £3 15s. 4d.”
Draycote Firz-Payne, (Hundred of Swanborough.) This is a —
small hamlet under the downs, in the northern part of the
parish of Wilcote. It was anciently the property of the
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 977
Priory of Bradenstoke; and in the Chartulary of that house
in the British Museum, fol. 73, “ Dreicote Chapel” is men-
tioned. [See New Monasticon under Bradenstoke, p. 387, note.
Also Ecton, p. 406.] Its existence and site appear to be now
equally forgotten.
Draycote Fortor, (South of Swindon, Kingsbridge Hundred. The
parish church of this parish was taken down by an order of
Edmund Gheast, Bishop of Sarum, dated 27th June, 1572
(14 Eliz.) A ground plan of it, and other particulars are
given in the Wilts Arch. Mag., iii., p. 280: and a copy of
Bishop Gheast’s order, and some further account of the church
in Kite’s Wilts Brasses, p. 105.
Duntzy, (Chippenham Hundred.) On the Foss Road, close to a
spot called “The Elm and Ash,” in the extreme corner of a
field where the road turns off to Alderton, is still to be seen
the site ofa chapel. [See Wilts Collections, Aubrey & Jackson
p-104.] Like “Chapel Plaister, or Plaistow, above mentioned,
Dunley Chapel may have been convenient for the call of pil-
grims: for Hugh Latimer says he “lived within half a mile
of the Foss way,” (at West Kington) ‘‘and you would wonder
to see how they come by flocks out of the west country to
many images, but chiefly to the blood of Hailes” (Hales
Abbey, co. Gloucester). [See ditto, p. 87.]
Easton Piers (or Percy). This is a small hamlet, within the
a
I
Hundred of Malmesbury, but now for many years considered
as part of the parish of Kington St. Michael, which is in the
Hundred of Damerham North. A chapel was pulled down
about 1640. “It was but small, and such a turret for two
tintinnabulums as at Leigh Delamere, Corston, &c.” Aubrey.
[See Wilts Collections, p. 236. ]
Easton: Holy Trinity Priory, near Burbage, (Kinwardstone
Hundred.) This was a Hospital or Priory founded for the
redemption of captives, temp. Hen. III., by (as was said)
Stephen, Archdeacon of Sarum: but later landowners, the
families of Sturmy and Seymour, were considered as second
founders. The church of the Priory was destroyed at the
278
Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
Reformation. [See Wilts Collections, note, p. 381.] The
present church was built subsequently. A note in Wilts
Institutions, p. 25, says that Easton Hospital was founded by
Robert, Bishop of Sarum: and in the same volume, p. 199,
John Seymour is called the second founder.
Epinepon Monastery, (East of Westbury, and in Whorwellsdown
Hundred.) Rumsey Abbey in Hampshire was originally the
chief proprietor of lands and tithes in the manor of Edingdon :
and these profits were applied to maintain a Prebendary, con-
nected with Rumsey. About A.D. 1847 (21 Edw. III),
William of Edingdon, Bishop of Winchester, being a native
of this parish, arranged to purchase from Rumsey Abbey its
Prebendal estate in Edingdon: which he then applied to the
establishment here, of a College, consisting of a Dean and
twelve ministers who were to be in residence. For them and
for this purpose he built a house, and a large church (the one
still existing). To please the Black Prince, who upon his
return from France wished to introduce into this country a
certain reformed order of religious men to whom he had taken
a great liking, the Bishop converted his College into a house
of Friars, of the Order of St. Augustine, called ‘‘ Bonhommes,”’
the Principal of the establishment taking the title of ‘‘ Rector
of Edingdon Priory.” At the Dissolution, the Priory church
became the parish church. Of any endowed chantry chapels
within it we have no account. Between the columns on the
south side of the nave is a mortuary shrine or chapel of very
small dimensions, erected (as the coats of arms in stone upon
it testify) by the family of Cheney of Brooke House, Westbury.
[See Wilts Collections, p. 349, 352. ]
Leland (Itin., iii, 98) says that in his time there was a
chapel and a hermitage on a hill hard by, where Bishop
Ayscough was “ beheddid in a rage of the communes for asking
a Tax of money.” Of this hermitage there is no trace now.
Excomssz. In the parish of Wroughton, (Elstub and Everley Hun-
dreds. Chantry chapel of St. Mary, Patrons the Lords Lovel,
and Lovel and Holand. There are presentations from A.D.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 279
1308, to A.D., 1448. [WiltsInst.] The chapel was destroyed
many years ago: it is believed to have stood in a field opposite
to Eleombe Farm,now belonging to the Charter House, London.
Enrorp. (Elstub and Everley Hundred.) Meeting in Stevens’s
Monast., ii., 501, with a Benedictine Monastery of St. Margaret
at Elenfordesmer in the Diocese of Salisbury, Sir R. C. Hoare
presumed that name to have been corrupted into Enford: and
accordingly (Hist. of E. & E., p. 19.) has placed the Monastery
here, and printed a Bull of Pope Alexander III. relating to it.
But Sir R. C. Hoare overlooked the statement of Bishop
Tanner (Notitia. Mon. p. 17) that Elenfordsmer Monastery
was in Chadelworth Parish in Berks (formerly in the Diocese
of Salisbury,) and was afterwards called Poughley or Poggele
Monastery. The manor of Chadelworth and Advowson of Pough-
ley Priory were given to Ambresbury Monastery 21 Ed. I.
In Enford Church was“ Westley’s Chantry. The Incumbent
in 1547 was Richard Norres aged 56. The Yssues of the same
rysing on the hyre of 886 shepe, by the yere £7 14s. 6d.”
[Survey, Augm. Office.] See also Combe.
Escorz, Escorr or Easrcorz [Valor Eccles.], in the parish of
Erchfont. In 1 Edw. VI. 1547, was confiscated “The Free
Chappell of Escott. Robert Hill, aged 53 years, Incumbent,
yearly value £2.”
Near Easterton, just out of the high road from Easterton to
Erchfont, attached to a modern house built on a farm of Mr.
Drax’s are remains of an ancient dwelling said to have been
part of this Chapel. Above the farm is a field called Chapel
Field where traces of interment have been found. The chapel
is marked on the map of the Valor Eccles. From 1319 to
1340, the presentations to it belonged to a family of
Ashton, lords of the vill; afterwards to the Rector and
convent of Edingdon. The chapel was destroyed. The
tradition at Erchfont is, that of the two transepts in Erchfont
Church, one was then appropriated to the inhabitants of Eastcot
* tything, the other to Wedhampton.
_ Ewerme, in the parish of Kemble, (Malmesbury Hundred.) (Called
280 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
also Ewen, or Yeoing.) In the Sarum Register, 1661, the
vicarage of Kemble is named “cum Capelli de Ewen, alids
Ewelme.” In the Archeologia, xxxvii., p. 116, Mr. J. Y.
Akerman marks the site in his map and says, ‘A chapel once
stood at the eastern extremity of Ewen. A tradition exists
in the neighbourhood that this edifice was destroyed long
beyond the memory of man, and that the materials contributed
to form the south aisle of Kemble Church, which is still called
“the Ewen aisle.” Near it rises a most beautiful spring of
water. Here, doubtless, were celebrated the heathen rites of
the first Anglo-Saxon settlers, until the christian priesthood
consecrated the spot, when a chapel was founded, andthe spring
dedicated to a Saint.” The name of Aiwelme, signifies in —
Anglo-Saxon, “ springs.”
Ewripee; between Biddeston and Colerne, (Hundred of Chippen-
ham.) In the Valor Eccles. [ Wilts, p. 119], there is an entry
under this name among the accounts of Malmesbury Abbey
(which had lands here and at Thickwood adjoining), of some
small annual oblations “at the image of St. Leonard.” But
whether the image stood at Ewridge or in Malmesbury Abbey
Church does not appear. There may have been some small
oratory at Ewridge. ‘
Fasterne (or Vasterne), in Wotton Basset parish. ‘‘ Fastern
manor and chapel” are named in an Inquis. p. m. of Philippa
Duchess of York, wife of Walter Fitzwalter, Kt.,10 Hen. VI. —
(A.D. 1481). [I. p. M.] Some deed about it formerly in
the Chapter House, Westminster, is mentioned in Britton’s f
Essay on Topography, p. 22.
Fisuerton AneeEr (properly Aucher, Branch and Dole Hundred). i
In 1324, a chantry was endowed “ by Stephen le Criour and ©
Matilda his wife in the church of St. Clement, Fisherton —
Anger. The endowment is in Bishop Mortival’s Register.”
[Modern Wilts, Branch and Dole, p. 160.] In 1547, 1 Edw.
V1., John Powell, aged 36 years, was Incumbent. Clear —
value £5 18s. 2d. perannum. ‘“ Mem.—The said Incumbent —
is no preest, but a layman, and had this chantry given unto
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson, © 281
hym for and to his exhibition to the schoole. Continuateth
to the schoole guousque with the accustomed wages.” [Aug.
Office. | See also Salisbury, in/rd.
At Fisherton was also a “Hermitage:” (similar to that
described under Codford St. Mary, suprd.) In the register of
Bishop Chandler at Sarum, of the date of 1418, Sir R. C.
Hoare found a curious document relating to it; the Latin
original of which he has printed in his history of this parish.
[Branch and Dole, p. 161.] This document was a Commission
of inquiry previous to a License being granted to the can-
didate. The actual place of abode appears to have been a
nook of the church itself. The substance of the document
in English, is as follows :—
“John (Chandler) Bishop of Sarum, &c. To Godfrey
Crukadan and Sir Nicholas Godwyn, Canons of our church,
greeting. Whereas our beloved in Christ, Joun, Hermit, of
the Hermitage of Fisherton near Sarum, hath prayed us that
we would allow him, being desirous by a life of continence and
chastity to attain to a better life, to be shut up in a narrow
place of hermitage at the end of the chapel of Fisherton, and
there serve God: we, knowing the nature of human frailty,
and that the Devil, the enemy of mankind, often causes the
pious resolution of a moment to be followed up by regret: but
not knowing the said petitioner nor the circumstances of the
said chapel and hermitage, nor how far we may be interfering
with the rights of owners and parishioners, &c., command you
to make inquiry into these things: whether the said John is
of good life and conversation: whether he is likely to follow
up his vow: whether he was ever betrothed or married :
whether any damage would be done to owners or parishioners,
by the shutting up of the said John. Let inquiry be made
_ on the oath both of clerks and laymen. Then, should no im-
‘pediment be found why the said John should not be shut up
as he desires, let him be so shut up as he wishes in the place
aforesaid ; bestow on him a blessing ; do whatever else is right
and proper, and report the sane to us.”
282 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
FisHerton DetamerEe. (Of the Hundred of Warminster: but
for Sir R. OC. Hoare’s account of it, see his Heytesbury.) A
chantry of the Delamere family in the church was endowed
with £6 3s. 4d. a year arising out of Fisherton : which rent
‘was granted in 8 Eliz. to William, Marquis of Winchester.
The chantry was on the north side of the church.
Firrteton, (Elstub and Everley Hundred.) Free Chapel of
Fittleton, clear value £3 5s. John Blythe, Incumbent, aged
56 years. (1 Edw. VI., 1547.)
Fontuitt Apsey. This name is merely introduced for the purpose
of saying that there was never any ancient endowed abbey, or
other kind of religious house at Fonthill Gifford.
Fovant, (Hundred of Cawden,) South of the chancel is a chantry
chapel: of which nothing appears to be known. [Modern
Wilts, Dunworth and Cawden, p. 77. ]
Fucerrston. St. Giles’s Hospital, near Wilton. Some fragments
of old masonry in the walls of a cottage on the right hand
side of the road, mark the site of this ancient building. In
387 Hen. VIII. 1545-6, there was a chapel covered with lead:
and John Dowse, clerk, was Master. Its lands were worth
£5 13s. 4d. a year. Four poor persons were relieved. The
Crown Commissioners in 1 Edw. VI., mark in the margin of
their Report, “‘ Thys to contynewe.” The particulars, and an
engraving of the seal, are given in Branch and Dole, p. 130.
Aubrey [Nat. Hist. of Wilts, p. 73], says “ there was this
inscription over the chapel door. 1624. This hospitall of
St. Giles was re-edified by John Towgood, Maior of Wilton,
and his brethren, adopted patrons thereof, by the gift of Queen
Adelicia, wife unto King Henry the First. This Adelicia was
a Leper. She had a windowe and dore from her lodgeing into
the chancell of the chapell, whence she heard prayer. She
lieth buried under a plain marble gravestone: the brasse
whereof (the figure and inscription) was remaining about
1684. Poore people told me that the faire was anciently kept
here.”
Joseph Gibbs, an old inhabitant of Quedhampton, wrote
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 283
thus to the Rev. William Coxe, 1796 :—
“Sir, Last night I called on Dame Coombs, who is near 80
years of age. She perfectly remembers service being per-
formed at Fuggleston Chapel: was also present when John
and Betty Smith were married by the Rev. Mr. Barford who
was Rector of Wilton, says there has been no service there for
60 years. John Wicker also remembers, when a boy, going to
chapel: the pews were all very regular, a desk and pulpit :
both agree as to the time it was shut up: he was at the opening
of a well, and saw eleven skulls taken out. The hospital was
endowed by Adelicia, Queen to Henry II. (read 1.), and she
lived in the house where farmer Waters now resides. There
were two estates near Warminster settled for its support, which
Mr. Frost and the Rev. Mr. Barford sold. Frost’s family all
came to want, and he was found drowned in a river, not a foot
deep, near Harnham.! JoszpH Gipss.”
i
Adeliza, second wife and relict of King Hen. I., was daughter
of Godfrey, Duke of Lorraine. She had the Castle of Arundel
in dower from the King, and on her re-marrying William de
Albini, he became, in her right, Earl of Arundel.
Gorr Cuaren. About two miles south of West Lavington, near,
or probably at, a point where the road from that place is crossed
by the old ridgeway, at Gore cross, stood the Chapel of Gore,
dedicated to St. John. In A.D. 1847, Robert de Heghtred-
bury was instituted by the Bishop to the chantry of Gore, on
the presentation of the Dean and Chapter of Sarum. The
“Chapel of Gore” is named in the chartulary of Edingdon _
Priory, in the British Museum, in a deed dated 1359, being a
Composition between the Vicar of Market (or Staple) Laving-
ton, and the monastery of Edingdon. It is named once in the
Sarum Episcopal Registers. Standing at cross roads, (if it did
stand here) it may have served for the occasional devotion of
DE ee eee ee
1 Joseph Gibbs seems to imply that Mr. Frost’s death was a judgement upon
him for selling ‘the two estates near Warminster.” But St. Giles’s Hospital
“never had any there. It was St. John’s Hospital, Wilton, that had and still
has, lands at Corsley and Whitborne near Warminster. See Corsley, supra.
VOL. X.—NO. XXX. U
284 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
pilgrims, like Chapel Playster, or Dunley, mentioned above.
No traces of it are left.
Grarton, East. See Bedwyn, Great.
Hames. The name of a chapel, printed on the map of the Valor
Kecles., close to Tisbury in South Wilts, is evidently a mis-
take for Hatch in that parish.
HarpENHUISH, near Chippenham. The old parish church, taken
down about 1778, stood near some high elm trees, about two
hundred yards in front of the present mansion house. The
old manor house was close to the church.
Haserpury, in the parish of Box (Hundred of Chippenham.)
There was formerly a parish church, dedicated to All Saints,
which stood, as it is said, near the present Haselbury farm-
house, once the manor house of the Spekes. After its des-
truction, which took place before 1760, it was customary for
a new Rector, on induction, to read prayers in a room in the
old house. and to have a portion of mould given into his hand
in a ground called the burying place. Stone coffins have been
found here. [See Wiltshire Collections, p. 59.] Haselbury
is named as a Rectory in the Valor Eccles., and in the Sarum
Registers the presentations are regularly entered from A.D.
1346. The Prior of Bradenstoke was patron: and it is some-
times called ‘ Haselbury Chapel,” sometimes “ Rectory.”
There is still a Rector, (beneficed and resident elsewhere,) but
here he has neither church, rectory-house, nor parish (save
one farm house), Haselbury being now merged in Box. The
duty consists in receiving £10 a year from the owner of
Haselbury, and keeping the roof of the chapel in repair.
Drayton [Polyolbion, Song xxiv.] speaking of hermits, seems
to have had this place (or perhaps Chapel Playster which is
close to it) in his thoughts in the following lines :— ‘;
‘¢So Wiltshire with the rest her Hermit Ulfrick hath
Related for a Saint, so famous in the Faith,
That sundry ages since, his Cell have sought to find
At Hasselburg, who had his Obdts him assign’d.”’
But Ulfrick’s Haselborough was in Somersetshire. See
Collinson’s Somerset, i., 331.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 285
Haren, in Tisbury (Hundred of Chalk). Here was a chapel of
which some remains are said to exist: but it had not been in
use since the Reformation.
Heyressury, (Hundred of Heytesbury.) There is a little un-
certainty about the actual number and sites of the chantry
chapels formerly in the parish church. Two are mentioned
in the Registers of the Dean of Sarum, and both as in the
south part of the church, St. Mary’s, and St. Katharine’s
founded by one William Mounte. About A.D. 1300, a chantry
at the altar of St. Mary in the south part had been founded
by Lucy Clyfton, widow of Gaudinus de Albo Monasterio, of
which we have the names of seven successive chaplains. This
appears to have been the one that came into the possession of
the Hungerfords, who first presented in 1408. In 1442, to
augment its income, Walter Lord Hungerford united the
chantries of Upton Scudamore, and Calne, and the Free
Chapel of Corston (now Corton), in Hilmerton.
There has been in Heytesbury church, as it has existed for
many years past, no indication or mark of the Hungerfords
on the south part; but as it has lately been discovered that
there were originally aisles to the chancel, both north and
south, possibly their St. Mary’s chantry may have been in the
south chancel aisle.
_ The only existing marks of the Hungerford family are on
the north side of the church. The north transept was cer-
tainly used by them as a burying place: and apparently as a
chantry chapel. This transept is parted off by a perpendicular
screen of stone work: upon which is their usual device of
three sickles conjoined. And in a very recent excavation
(1866) of the floor of this transept, have been found the
remains of an altar tomb of Purbeck marble, bearing the same
device, and their coat of arms. In February, 1867, the repairs
in this part of the church going on, the remains of a second
tomb of Purbeck marble were found in the north wall of this
transept: of a somewhat different pattern from the other and
without arms, or device. Their chantry of St. Mary’s, being
u 2
286 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wiits.
distinctly described as on the south side of the church, the
origin and history of this in the north transept is a little
obscure; no reference to it as an endowed chantry having
been met with among many papers relating to them and their
property. The Dean’s Register at Sarum however states that
Walter Lord Hungerford, K.G., mentioned above as owner of
St. Mary’s chantry on the south side in 1408, also founded a
chantry in 1421. This may have been in the north-transept.
*‘Mounte’s chantry,” mentioned above as dedicated to St. —
Katharine, may have been in the south transept: but this is
not known for certain.
There was formerly a chapel in the Hospital at Heytesbury —
founded by the Hungerford family. It is mentioned in the —
original Statutes of the Hospital. The custos was instituted
by the Bishop, in 1557.
Hzywoop, (Westbury Parish and Hundred.) The advowson ofa
chantry in Heywood, is named as Sir Reginald Pavely’s in
7 Edw. III. (1333), [Sir R. C. Hoare’s Westbury, p. 58. ]
In 1 Edw. VI., the clear yearly value of the “ Free Chapel of
Heywood” was 53s. 4d. John Blythe, Incumbent, aged 60
years, was pensioned off. [Augm. Off.]
Hicuwortu, (Hundred of ditto.) William Ingram’s chantry in
Highworth church, was maintained by an annual salary coming
out of the Grange of Studley, near Lydiard Tregoz, value
£6 13s. 4d. per annum. In 1 Edw. VI., John Parker, aged
73 years, was Incumbent. Studley Grange belonged to Stan-
ley Abbey, near Chippenham: and in the New Monasticon
(under Studley, p. 566), the above sum is mentioned as paid _
yearly by that monastery to the chantry of William Ingram. ~
This £6 13s. 4d. is the ten marks, named in the Inquis.
ad quod Damnum, 34 to 39 Hen. VI. (c. 1456) as paid by
“‘ John, Abbot of Stanley and the convent there, to John Salve,
perpetual Chaplain of the chantry of St. Nicholas in High-
worth: arising out of lands at Studley Grange, Thickwood —
(Colerne), and other lands.” [Jones Calend. Ing. ad q.d. p.
392.] A chantry house was purchased at the confiscation, by
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 287
Reve & Cotton, two speculators in the spoils of the church.
- Hit Deverert, (Hundred of Heytesbury.) Robert le Bor, 18
| Edw. II. (1324-5), founded a chantry in the church of Hulle-
| Deverel for four chaplains, and endowed it with lands. The
patronage he gave to Longleat Priory: but seems to have
transferred it afterwards to St. John’s Hospital, Wilton.
[Mod. Wilts, Heytesbury, p. 10.]
“Hinpon, (Hundred of Downton.) By the “ Free Chapel” of Hin-
don, was meant the church of Hindon—a chapel of East
Knoyle. Certain lands belonging to it were confiscated 1
Edw. VI.: and a full account of the matter is printed in Sir
R. C. Hoare’s Mere, p. 194 and p. 227.
Horninesuam, Little, in the parish of Maiden Bradley, but Hun-
dred of Heytesbury. There was at an early period a chapel
here, dependent on Maiden Bradley church. It is mentioned
in a grant by Walter Giffard to Notely Abbey in Bucks.,
temp. Hen. II. How long it remained is not known. [See
| Modern Wilts, Heytesbury, p. 49.]
_ Huttavineron, (Hundred of Malmesbury.) See Bradfield, supra,
and Surrenden, infrd.
Ipmiston. See Burgelon, supra
Ivy Cxaurcu. Monasterium Ederosum, or Ederose, (Hundred of
Alderbury.) This is erroneously called ‘‘ Wichereche” by
Gervase of Canterbury: and ‘‘ West-church” by Speed:
sometimes in modern works “ Joy-church.,’ It was founded
either by Hen. I., Stephen, or Hen. I[., for a Prior and four
Canons of St. Augustine, and dedicated to the B. V. M. The
conventual chapel and all other buildings have disappeared.
[Alderbury, p. 179.] This House of Religious men was
established chiefly to provide for the spiritual instruction of
the inhabitants of the forest, and household of the Royal
Palace of Clarendon.
Kettoways. See Titherington, infra.
Kinesron Deverett. See Deverell, supra.
‘Kineswoop Assey, near Bristol. This was encompassed by
Gloucestershire, but was accounted of the Hundred of
o
288 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wiits.
Chippenham in Wilts. A house of Cistercians from Tinterne
was founded by the Berkeley family about A.D. 1139. The
gate-house, and a range of buildings on each side, form plate
xii. in Lysons’s Antiquities of Gloucestershire. :
Kineton Sr. Micuazx, (Hundred of Damerham North.) At St.
Mary’s Priory in this parish, the priory chapel was still stand-
ing, but without “glasse, chancell, or monument,” about
1670. [See Wiltshire Collections, Aubrey & Jackson, p. 145.]
A full history of the priory, and a plate of this chapel, is
given in the Wilts. Arch. Mag., iv., p.51. The Priest of the
chapel had £5 6s. 8d. a year.
Kineton Lanetry, in the parish of Kington St. Michael. Here
was anciently a chapel of St. Peter: some slight vestiges of
which are still pointed out in one of the cottages, not far from
the modern little church also called St. Peter’s. [See Wilts
Collections, p. 145. Also Wilts Arch. Mag. ]
Knicuton, in Broad Chalk parish, (Hundred of Chalk.) The
south end of the transept in the parish church, now used as
the vestry room, and called “the Knighton Aisle,” was a
Chantry Chapel, founded in Edw. II. (1322) for the soul of
John Alwyne of Knighton, and dedicated to All Saints. The
Prebendary of Chalk was patron. Mr. C. Bowles, the his-
torian of this Hundred, is of opinion that the property of the
chantry was sold to the St. Loe family, two of whom, Sir
Edward, 1578, and a grandson of the same name, were buried
in the chapel. It had “2 meane bells.” [Modern Wilts, ;
Chalk, 143.]
Known. See Bedwyn, Great, supra.
Lackuam, in Lacock parish, (Hundred of Chippenham.) During
the time that the Bluet family were the ancient owners, a :
Chantry Chapel stood within their manor of Lackham “juxta —
Lacock.” By adeed, without date, one Edward Sweyn charged
some land that he gave to the Nuns of Lacock, with the annual
payment of one penny for maintaining the lamp of St. Mary ©
within the chapel of Lackham [New Monast.]. In 1308, Sir
John Bluet gave to Robert de la Brigg, clerk, for his life —
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 289
two shillings and sixpence of annual rents, 173 acres of arable,
and 1 of pasture, in Pensdon, Winterwell, Flexlegh, Elridge,
&c. [Brit. Mus. Add. Charter, No. 1533.] In 1346, John
de Peyton, in right of his wife (a Bluet), obtained a license for
a private chapel in his manor of Lackham [Wyvil Register,
Sarum]. The following names of Chaplains occur in the
Wilts Institutions :—1349, Stephen Draper; 1852, Walter
Fynamour; 1410, William Hunte: the last having been
presented by Philip Baynard, then Lord of the Manor. The
site of the chapel is not known. In the wall of a building
behind Sir John Awdry’s house at Notton, are inserted some
stones traditionally said to have been brought from it. On
one of them is a cross. Another has the arms of Bluet and
Baynard.
Lacock Assey, (Hundred of Chippenham.) ‘Locus Beate
Marie,” was the name appointed by the foundress Ela (D’
EKureux), Countess Dowager of Salisbury, widow of William
Longespée the First, A.D. 1232. It was dedicated to St.
Mary.
The Nuns, eighteen in number, were of the Order of St.
Augustine. It was sold at the Dissolution to Sir William
Sharington, who converted the monastic buildings into a
residence. The cloistered quadrangle and other portions still
remain, but the conventual chapel is destroyed: the north
wall of it still forming the south front of the house. Three
Priests daily officiating, and a Father confessor are mentioned
in the Valor Eccles., as the clerical staff of the convent.
Laxz, in Wilsford parish, near Ambresbury, (but in Underditch
Hundred.) The first gift to Bradenstoke Priory by Walter
of Salisbury its founder (Will. I.,) included the “Capella de
Lacha,” with all its appurtenances, and one Richard Cotele
also gave a virgate of land in “Lacha.” At the Dissolution
the lands and tythes belonging to the chapel of Lake were
leased by the Crown to Richard South of Ambresbury: were
afterwards granted to the Partridge family, and in 1599, were
purchased by George Duke. [R.C. Hoare, Underditch, p. 137.]
,
290 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
Lanerorp Parva, (Branch and Dole.) A chantry was founded on
the south side of the church, about A.D., 1825, by John of
Langford, and endowed with lands given to the Prior of St.
John’s, Wilton, to find one chaplain to pray for the souls of
the founder and his wife Agnes. The Jacobean altar tomb
now within it, with the letters J. H., erroneously attributed to
the Hungerfords, is that of John Hayter who married Melior
Marvyn of Pertwood. In 1457 and 1502, the chantry belonged
to the Stourton family. They had lands in this parish called |
Langford Dennis. On the north porch is a shield of Stourton
impaling Dennis, and over it, the old Stourton crest, the sledge,
or fire-dray. 7
LanetEy. See Kington Langley. ;
Laverstock, near Salisbury. (Alderbury Hundred.) The will of
Sir Hugh Cheney of Laverstock, dated 1385, directs the
foundation of a chantry in the church there, with daily service
for the souls of himself and Joan his wife, for the maintenance
of which he bequeathed a messuage and shops in the “ Poletria” !
in New Sarum. [Mod. Wilts, Alderbury, 215.]
Lavineton, East: alids, Market, Staple, Chipping or Forum.
(Swanborough Hundred.) A chantry in the church, worth
£5 15s. 8d., a year, Thomas Webbe, cantarist, is named in
the Valor Eccles., A.D., 1534. It paid 6s. a year to the Abbot
of Westminster, and 8s. to Edington Priory, which was Rector
here, and patron of the Vicarage. The founder was most
likely Robert Delamere, Kt., A.D., 1849. [Wilts Instit.,
Staple Lavington.|] It belonged afterwards to Beauchamp,
Lord St. Amand ; and to the Baynton family. William, Lord
St. Amand, who died in March, 1457-8, desired by will to be
buried ‘in the chapel of the Saints Mary, Katherine, and
Margaret.” [Kite’s Wilts Brasses, p. 37.]
Lavineton, West, or Bishop’s. (Hundred of Potterne and
Cannings.) The “ Beckett Aisle,” as it is called, a small
ee
1 Hence what is called the ‘‘ Poultry Cross.” ‘‘ Poletria,”’ however, is not
Latin for domestic fowls. It is a medieval word in Ducange for a drove of
young horses.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 291
chapel of perpendicular date on the south side of the chancel,
has marks of chapel service, a step to the altar, a piscina, and
a niche for a figure or lamp: but there is no record of endow-
ment. It has been used for burial, first by the Auncell, and
since by the Beckett families of Littleton, in this parish.
(Kite’s Wilts Brasses, p. 54.)
The “ Dauntesey Chapel,” is a small late perpendicular
addition to the south side of West Lavington Church: the
burial place, after 1571, of the Dauntesey family, formerly
owners in this parish, of the estate afterwards belonging
successively tothe Danvers family, the Earl of Abingdon, and
now Lord Churchill. There is no record of any endowment,
nor any indication that it was ever used for celebration of
religious services.
LirrtEcorz, near Hungerford, (Hundred of Ramsbury). Ecton
mentions “ Littlecote, a chapel to Chilton Foliot, destroyed.
‘“‘ Formerly appropriated to the Prior of Bradenstoke.”’ In this
there is perhaps an error. In the Charters of Bradenstoke
Priory | New Monast. No. 2], a William de Lytelcote is indeed
named as having given to that house certain lands, but
they are described as “‘ adjacent to the land of Bradenstoke.”
This must therefore have been not Littlecote in Chilton, but
the farm still called Littlecote near Lyneham: “ Lyneham
cum Lytelcote” being named in the Valor Eccles., among the
possessions of Bradenstoke Priory.
As to Littlecote chapel, in Chilton: there is in the Wilts
Institutions one presentation to it, in A.D. 13844: but two
patrons are named, Isabella de Hautford, (which is probably
an error for Hankford) and Robert Hungerford, Kt. The
name of the latter being printed in italics, as if doubtfully,
the connexion of the Hungerfords with Littlecote or its chapel
becomes obscure. But the chapel is mentioned at a later
period. Sir Edward Darell, by will 1528, bequeaths “to his
cousyn and heir apparent”? Edward Darell, “all stuff, orna-
ments, vestments, and juells belonging, and now occupied and
used, and also belonging unto my Chappell at Littlecot.”
:
;
,
292 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
The chapel is not mentioned in the Valor Eccles., 1534.
Loxeswet., Lockswell, or Loxwell, about four miles from Chippen-
ham, near Derry Hill, on the right hand of the road to
Devizes. Henry, Earl of Anjou (afterwards Hen. II.) gave
this place, then in the old forest of Chippenham, to the Monks
of Quarrer in the Isle of Wight, on condition of establishing
a house of Cistercians here, which they did in A.D. 1151, but
three years afterwards they were removed by the Empress
Maud, to Stanlegh in the vale below. Close to the present
farm-house of Lockswell, is a copious spring of water. The
ancient name of this spot was Drown Font, in Latin “‘ Drogonis
Fons,” the spring of Drogo, Chamberlain to the Empress
Maud. The original name may possibly have been “ Loki’s
well :”’ Loki was one of the deities of nature, always connected
by our remote ancestors with water. [Kemble Anglo-Saxons,
i., 378. ]
Loneteat Priory, (Hundred of Heytesbury.) A small house of
Black Canons, dedicated to St. Radegund, founded, it is said
by Sir John Vernon of Horningsham, about A.D. 1270: after-
wards annexed to Henton Charter House Abbey, co. Somerset.
It stood upon the site of Longleat House. There was a chapel
of B. V. M., and altars to St. Cyriac and St. Juliana. Coffins
have been found. [See Wilts Arch. Mag. iii., 283. Sir R.C.
Hoare, Heytesbury, p. 55. ]
Maren Braptey, (Hundred of Mere.) In the reign of Hen. II.
Manserus Biset, owner of Bradley, established a chapel for
leprous women, which was consecrated by Hubert, Bishop of
Sarum, on condition that it should in no wise interfere with
the rights of the church of All Saints at Bradley. This sub-
sequently became the chapel of Maiden Bradley Priory.
~ A register of this Priory, unknown to the Editors of the
New Monasticon and to Bishop Tanner, was lately discovered
by me among the Marquis of Bath’s documents, at Longleat.
It is of the years 1364 and 1365, but very illegible. Two
seals of the Priory are engraved in Gent. Mag. 1828, part i.,
p- 305. A third is in my possession, appended to a deed of
4
=
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 293
Richard Jenyn, Prior 26 Hen. VIII., conveying lands to the
Hungerford family. The legend is S. Ricarp1 Prioris DE
M. B.; and the arms, those of the Biset family: 10 Bezants,
4, 3,2, and 1. The family of Husee of Holbrook, co. Somer-
set, had a chantry in Maiden Bradley Priory, 34 Edw. III.
Matmessury. The fine church belonging to the monastery, was
partly destroyed at the Reformation. The greater part of the
nave was preserved: and by license of Archbishop Cranmer,
20th August, 1541, was converted into a parish church, and
continues to be so used. [See Wilts Arch. Mag. i., 249.]
St. Paul’s church. This was the old parish church in the
time of the monastery. It had become dilapidated: the body
of it was finally taken down a few years ago.
In and about the town, we have notices, more or less satis-
factory, of seven or eight chapels. In the notes to Wiltshire
Collections, p. 261, the names of these given. In plate xxiv.
of the same volume, their supposed sites are marked on a plan
of the town; and in plate xxvi. views of two, from drawings
made before they were destroyed.
- 1. Burnzvate Chapel: dedicated to our Lady. This was for
many years used as a poor house, and was taken down not
very long ago, It belonged tothe Abbey. Wilts Collections,
plate xxvi.
2. Burton Hitt Chapel: taken down some years ago. [See
plate xxvi. ditto. ]
_ 8. Sr. Joun’s, near the Bridge: part of a Hospital of St. John:
the front is still standing.
4. Sr. MicHaEt’s: is named in documents, but whether it stood
apart, on the site of the Abbey House, or was attached to the
Abbey Church, is doubtful.
5. Wuritcuurcu: about one mile from Malmesbury, on the way
to Charlton: a chapel dedicated to St. James. [Valor Eccles.,
Malmesbury Abbey, p. 119.]
_ 6. Sr. Heten’s. At the corner of formerly Milk Street.
7. Wesreort. The original church here was called St. Mary’s
Chantry.
8. West of Westport church, in a narrow street leading to the
horsefair, an ancient doorway and a perpendicular window
are thought by some to have been part of a chapel: and
Aubrey reports the tradition of another near it. (See plan
in Wilts Collections.) But both these are uncertain.
The Valor Eccles. names as in the Abbey Church, a chapel
of St. John Baptist, the chapel of the B. V. M., and the shrine
of St. Aldhelm: but no notices of any of these having been
endowed have been met with. In the list of confiscated
chantries 1 Edw. VI. are named, “ Lands given for the main-
tenance of a Priest within the parish of St. Paul: Thomas
Washebourne, aged 60 years, Incumbent. Clear yearly value
£vii xiis.,” and “lands for the maintenance of a Priest in
Westport parish. John Wymbole, aged 44 years, ‘Stipendiary.’
Clear yearly value £v xiiiis. ixd.” The Commissioners report
that “Malmesbury was a great Towne, and but two parish
churches, wherein be DCCOIX people which receyve the
Blessed Communion,! and no preests to helpe the Vicars in
admynistration of the Sacraments saving the said stipendiary
preests: wherfore the inhabytants there desire the King’s most
honourable Councell to consider them accordinglie.” But the
“honourable Councell” seem to have been rather swayed by a
marginal note annexed to the report, “The Vicar’s man doe
yt well ynoughe.” |
Marxzoroucu. No Town in Wiltshire seems to have been more
abundantly supplied with the opportunities of religious service
before the Reformation than Marlborough.
The Religious Houses were four, all on a small scale.
1. Sr. Marcaret’s Priory. White Canons, of the Sempringham
Order, half-a-mile south of the Town: of Royal Foundation,
temp. John: endowed with tithes and lands in the neighbour-
hood. Roger Marshall was Prior, both of this and of Easton
Priory, near Burbage, in 1534. [Valor Eccles. ]
1In those days, every one above the age of confirmation who did not make
confession and receive absolution in Passion week, could not receive the Holy
Eucharist at Easter : and those who did not do so, dying within the year, would
probably have been refused Christirn burial.
294 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wiits.
{
ee
WE rad BS
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 295
2. Tue Hosprran or St. Tuomas or CanTernury, for a master
and sick brethren, was founded in Hen. III. and annexed to
St. Margaret’s Priory.
3. Tue Hosrirat or St. Joun THE Baptist, for brethren and
sisters, built before 16 John: had lands in Kennet. A chapel
in the hospital is mentioned in Valor Eccles., p. 147.
4. Wurre Friers: on south side of the street, founded, 1316,
by two merchants, John Goodwin and William Remesbech.
Sr. Marrin’s Cuvurcn, or Chapel. Leland names a “Chappel of
St. Martyne at the Entre at the est ende of the Towne.” The
Chantry Commissioners, 2 Edw. VL., mention “the parisshe
of St. Marten’s in Marlborough,” and state that Richard Croke
founded an obit within it. The church is not mentioned in
the Valor Eccles., nor other Eccles. Taxations, nor in the
Wiltshire Institutions. St. Martin’s street now leads from
the Green to Poulton: and north of that street, between Cold
Harbour and Blowhorn Street, about half-way from St.
Martin’s Street to the boundary of the parish, the church is
said to have stood. It had Churchwardens in the 16th
century.
Marlborough Castle. Free Cnaren or Sr. Nicuotas,
within the Castle. This is mentioned in A.D., 1249, but the
first institution recorded, is in 1311. Among alterations
ordered in Marlborough Castle, A.D., 1249, the Constable of
the Castle was to “lengthen the chamber behind the Chapel
of St. Nicholas, towards the priest’s chamber, with an oriole.”
Also “ to erect in the Queen’s Chapel there (was this a second ?)
a crucifix with Mary and John, and the Virgin Mary with her
child.” [Waylen’s Marlborough, p. 50.] In 1897 (20 Rich.
II.) the Earl of Hereford (afterwards Hen. IV.) was charged
with entering Marlborough Castle by force, and taking thence,
among other goods of Hugh le Despencer, “crosses of gold,
ebony, ivory, and other ornaments belonging to the chapel,
cloth of gold, tapestry, coverlids, priest’s wardrobe, &c.”
(Ditto p. 59.) The Norman font of this chapel, used in Royal
Christenings, is supposed to be now in Preshute Church, and
296
_
~<
Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
to have been transferred thither on the dismantling of the
castle. See a drawing of it in Wilts Arch. Mag. III. 239.
In the parish churches were the following foundations :—
In St. Peter’s: lands worth £5 7s. 4d., for the maintenance
of a priest, called “Jesus Service.” John Burdsey, aged
65 years, was last incumbent.
Another chantry, founded 19. Hen. VII., (1503): “to
contynewe for 99 years.” Lands worth £8 3s. Qd., a year.
John Pitts (or Potter) aged 44 years, was “stipendiary:” i.e.
(says the late Mr. F. A. Carrington) the heir of the founder
got a priest for as little money as he could.
St. Katharine’s Chantry is named in the Valor Eccles., in
1534. In 1 Edw. VI. it was worth £8 13s. 8d. a year: part
of which was a rent of 20s. out of a tenement called the “ An-
gel,” belonging to Jeffry Daniell. Thomas Russell, aged 62
years, Incumbent. There were several obits in the church of
St. Peter.
In St. Mary’s Church: a chantry, worth £10 3s. 4d.a year,
founded by Foster and Pengryve. William Lewys, aged 60
years, the last Incumbent. Also another chantry, a Jesus
service, and several obits. [See Mr. Carrington’s paper,
Wilts Arch. Mag. vii., 5.]
Marston, near Highworth, (Hundred of Highworth.) Bishop
Tanner [Notitia, p. 608] mentions a “ Merton Hospital” in
Wilts, as occurring in a Plea of Assize, 54 Hen. III., wherein
“one David Bening and others were charged with unjustly
levelling a boundary in Chelworth. The jury found that his
predecessor had founded the Hospital of Merton, &c.” Bishop
Tanner in a note, asks “‘ whether this was not rather Merston
in Highworth Hundred, being nearest to Chelworth ? ”
Nothing about any Religious House at any Marston in Wilts,
has been met with.
Martin. See Bedwyn, Great, supra.
1The ‘‘ Jesus Psalter” consists of fifteen petitions, and the name of JEsus
being repeated ten times before each of them, the repetition is made one hundred
and fifty times.
ae Se ae
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 297
Marton, (South Damerham Hundred,) formerly called Merton. “A
little chapel at Merton in the Earl of Shaftesbury’s house, is
paved with tiles, whereon are annealed or enamelled the coate
and quarterings of Horsey.” [Aubrey, Nat. Hist. of Wilts,
p- 101.]
Merz, (Hundred of Mere.) The chancel of the parish church
stands between two chantry chapels. That on the north side
was founded in honour of the Annunciation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, A.D. 13824, by John de Mere: and was further
endowed in 1484 by the Stourton family: that on the south
side was founded by John de Bettesthorne, Lord of Chaden-
wych, in this parish. These were afterwards called ‘“ For-
ward’s”’ and *‘ Berkeley’s” Chantries. The map of the Valor
Kccles., mentions three chantries in Mere church: and that
record itself says they were all of the foundation of John
Berkeley, Kt. In a curious Latin list of the property belong-
ing to one of these chantries, printed in Sir R. C. Hoare’s
Mere, p. 144, the chaplain’s dresses are described as worked
with figures of ‘‘ white birds, griffin’s heads, fleurs de lis:”
and various coats of arms, lions, peacocks, &c. See also Kite’s
Wilts Brasses, p. 23.
The Register of Bishop Osmund, who died A.D. 1099,
mentions two chapels inthe parish. One at Seles (now ZEAI’s)
dedicated to St. Martin: the other at Chandeswic (CHaDEN-
WYCHE) of the same dedication: with a service in each thrice
a week. [Modern Wilts, Mere, p. 142.]
Merton. See Marton, suprd. Also “ Marston.”
Monxron Fartey Priory. (Hundred of Bradford.) A house of
Clugniac Monks of the Order of St. Benedict, founded about
A.D., 1125, by Humphrey de Bohun. Subordinate to Lewes
Priory in Sussex. Of the conventual church, nothing remains.
Its site was excavated in 1744, and certain discoveries were
made, a description of which is given in the Wilts Arch.
Mag. iv., p. 281.
Sionzrox, 3 in the Deanery of Avebury, (Selkley Hundred.) ‘Chapel
to Overton, destructa” [Ecton.]. In the Valor Eccles., Wilts,
298 Ancient Chapels, &e., in Co. Wilts.
p. 131, it is called “the Free Chapel of Monkenton, Richard
Betelle (Bethel) Rector: worth £4a year.” There are no
Institutions in the Bishop’s Registry at Sarum. Bacon’s
Liber Regis describes it as a “Chapel, alias V.” (Vicarage).
Both (Winterbourne) Monkton Vicarage and Free Chapel, are
marked on the map of the Valor Eccles. In 1 Edw. VI.,
Thomas Gymlette, alids Barbor, aged 40 years, was Incumbent :
and the clear yearly value £6 8s. [Augm. Off.]
Moore Axpseston. See Whiteparish, infrd.
Norrines, parish of Warminster. A Free Chapel, or “ Rectory,”
dedicated to St. Michael. The presentations run from A.D.
13138, to 1490. Sir John de Cormayles was the first patron :
then the Gascelyn family: then Lye of Flambardeston. In
June, 1531 (23 Hen. VIII.), a lease for twenty years was
granted to Richard Hill, of the ‘“‘ Chapel covered with tyle,
with 253 acres of land, and the tythe of 39 acres and more,
in Warminster, Upton and Norridge.” In 1. Edw. VLI.,
William Hill, aged 50 years, was Incumbent: and the clear
yearly value was £2 13s. It had a Bell, value 6s. Mr. Hill
was “a well learned man, right able to serve a cure. and had
none other lyving, savynge one lytell benefyce in Wyltes, of
the yerely value of £8.” (This was probably Grittleton
Rectory, near Chippenham.) Norridge Chape/ is marked on
the map of the Valor Eccles., 1534. It is now destroyed.
(For information, see Sir R. C. Hoare’s Warminster, pp.
67, 95, 107:)
Norton Bavent. Hundred of Warminster.) On the south side
of the church is a chapel, supposed to have been built by
John Benett, who was buried in the middle of it in 1461.
Oaxsey. Hundred of Malmesbury.) Aubrey, (1670) says, “Ina
close adjoyning to the church-yard, are yet to be seen the
ruins of an old seat of the Duke of Lancaster’s, and a chapell.
It is now called Court, and Chapell Close.” [Wilts Collec-
tions, p. 276.] On the map of Sarum diocese, in the Valor
Eccles., the chapel is marked, and in the accounts of Malmes-
bury Abbey, (Valor Eccles., p. 122.) the income of the chapel —
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 299
which belonged to that Abbey, is returned as £2 6s. 8d.a
year.
Oczourne Sr. ANDREW’s (Hundred of Selkley). About A.D. 1149,
the manors and churches of the two Okeburnes, were given by
Maud, daughter and heiress of Robert D’oiley, to Bec Herlewyn
Abbey, in Normandy. A cell of monks was placed here.
Their property was divided between the Dean and Chapter of
Windsor, King’s College, Cambridge, and the Charter House
in London. No account seems to have been preserved of the
monks’ residence, chapel, &c. In Ecton’s Thesaurus, p. 406,
and Bacon’s Liber Regis, p. 891, is this entry: ‘ Okebourne
St. Andrew cum Rohee capella (St. Leonard) destructa.” This
is no doubt a mistake for Rockley: which see.
Ocsourne Sr. Georcz, (Selkley Hundred.) The Valor Eccles.
gives a chantry here in 1534; William Eliott, cantarist ;
value 66s. 8d. The chapel is at the east end of the north
aisle: and was dedicated to the Holy Trinity: and there was
an image of the Trinity. [See Kite’s Wilts Brasses,
p- 47.]
Pavesnov. An “ecclesia”? mentioned in Domesday Book as adjoin-
ing the manor of Corsham, apparently in some connexion
with the Rectory of Corsham, which then belonged to the
Abbey of St. Stephen of Caen. There is now in Corsham
neighbourhood no name at all like Paveshou, except Pewsham.
But in those days Pewsham was only a forest, connected with
Chippenham and not with Corsham.
Porrerne, (Hundred of Ditto.) A document by William Ayscough,
Bishop of Sarum, relating to a chantry in Heytesbury church,
is dated 1442 “in the chapel of the manor of Poterne.”
This probably was a chapel in the ‘“ Mansum Manerii,” the
episcopal residence at Potterne: which is supposed to have
been on the right hand side, going out to Worton. In the
ground considered to have belonged to the house have been
found two rings, and a seal. The latter is in the possession
of Mr. Wilkins of Devizes, The device is a very rude figure
of a man on horseback bearing a pennon: with the legend
vol. X.—NO. XXX. - x
300 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
QUE TIBI LEGO LuGE. There is also the small letter m by itself
on the stone.
Povutron, or Putton, (in Cricklade Hundred, but encompassed by
Gloucestershire.) Sir Thomas St. Maur of Castle Cary, co.
Somerset, and of Eton Meysey, founded here about 21 Edw. III.
(1347), to the honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a house of a
Prior and two or three Canons of the Gilbertine, or Sempring-
ham (co. Lincoln) Order, endowed with land and Rectorial
tithes, worth about £400 of the money of the present day. In
the Episcopal Registers at Sarum, the St. Maurs are the first
patrons named. In 1340, Thomas St. Maur presents to the
“Chantry at the Altar of St. Mary, Poulton.” From 1361
to 1409, the Prior presented to the Rectory. In the Valor
Eccles. of 1534, Poulton is not registered among monastic
houses, but among the ordinary Rectories, though the Incum-
bent Thomas Lyndwode calls himself Prior. At the confis-
cation, the Priory property was sold to three persons, Stroude,
Erle and Paget; a miserable stipend being reserved, to main-
tain a perpetual Curacy; the present value of which is only
£43 a year.
Presuute. From one of the Liberate Rolls [Waylen’s Marlb., p.
34], it appears that in A.D. 1215, King John “ for the safety
of his soul and the souls of his predecessors and successors,
gave unto Eve, the Recluse of Preshute, the sum of one
denarius a day, which she should enjoy in free gift so long as.
she lived, to be doled to her by the hands of the Constable of
Marlborough Castle. Dated at Ludgershall, 4 Aug.”
This Recluse was a female hermit, sometimes called Anchor-
itess, Anchoress, or Ancresse, of a class frequently mentioned
in topographical works. Juliana, the Anchoress of Norwich,
is named among Ballard’s Learned Ladies. There was an
Ancresse of St. Helen’s at Pontefract, co. York, called Dame —
Margaret Multone. Whitaker [History of Richmond] men-
tions a gift to the anchoritess in seclusion near “the chapel of
St. Edmund: ” which Leland called “ the chapel of a woman
anchorite a little beyond the ende of Frenche Gate.”
By Pha Ben: J. E. Jackson. 301
Ramssury, (Hundred of Ditto.) The Darell aisle, eastward from
_ the north aisle of Ramsbury church, was a chapel dedicated
to the B. V. M., built early in the 15th century, probably by
the family of Calston then owners of Littlecote. Thomas
Halle was cantarist in 1534: and the annual value £8 2s. Sir
Edward Darell (mentioned above under Littlecote,) desired,
by will A.D. 1528, to be buried in this chapel. His executrix
“to burn a taper of wax before the Rood during Divine
service for 3 years, and further and longer as his goods
and profits of his land will extend.” He also desires marble
stones with brasses for some of his family. An account of
the aisle and of the Darell monuments is given in Wilts
Arch. Mag. iv., 224. Ramsbury chantry is named in Ecton’s
Thesaurus. [See Kite’s Wilts Brasses, p. 11: also Axford,
supra.
Rockey, or Tempte Rockey, [Selkley Hundred]. In the parish
of Ogbourne St. Andrew’s, near Marlborough. John Mares-
chall gave lands and established here a Preceptory of Knights
Templars, 2 Hen. II. (A.D. 1156); which was afterwards
given to the Knights Hospitalers of St. John of Jerusalem.
As the Templars, wherever settled, usually had a chapel; (as
for instance at Selk, which see infrd, near Marlborough,) it is
very likely that they also had one here, at or near the place
now called Temple Farm. Rockley is miscalled Rohee in
Ecton and Bacon. [See above, Ogbourne St. Andrew. ]
Roop Asurton, (Whorwellsdown Hundred.) The word “ Rode,”
signifies in Anglo-Saxon, a “Crucifix :” i.e. a cross with the
image of our Saviour upon it; including also, when the Rode
was complete, the figures of Mary and St. John at foot. -
When inside a church this group was placed over a screen at
the entrance of the chancel: when outside, in a niche, or over
the porch, or sometimes on a separate shaft in the church-
yard, or even in a village. Places have sometimes taken their
name from this feature: as Holy Rood in Edinburgh, Rode
Huish in co. Somerset, and others. The manor of Ashton
having been anciently property of Shaftesbury Abbey, it is
, X2
302
Ancient Chapels, &c., in Oo. Wiits.
probable that this portion of it had a little chapel for the
convenience of an old manor house here, and of the neigh-
bouring hamlet of West Ashton; both being at a considerable
distance from the parish church. This is confirmed by the
facts that in 1806, 1389, and 1391, in Inquisitions p. mortem,
this place is called Chapel Ashton. There are no vestiges of
building, but human bones have been found in “ The Wilder-
ness,” part of the pleasure-ground at the back of Rood Ashton
House.
Rowtey: or Rowrey alids WirrenHAM. Two small adjoining
manors bearing these names, anciently formed of themselves
a small parish on the western border of co. Wilts, about 25
miles west of Bradford on Avon. From Westwood, Wilts,
in the parish of Bradford, there is a green lane leading to
Farley Hungerford, co. Somerset. About half way between
Westwood and Farley, tradition places the site both of the
church, and of such few houses as formed the parish of Rowley,
alids Wittenham. Another disused lane crosses the aforesaid
green lane, and at the point of crossing, in the fields adjoining,
may still be seen traces of foundations of houses, &e. The
presentations to the Rectory of this annihilated little parish,
are found in the Wilts Institutions under the name of Witten-
ham. As a parish it was annihilated in this way. The in-
habitants being very few, and their church very small and
dilapidated, Walter Lord Hungerford, K.G., (temp. Hen. VI.)
then owner of Farley Castle and all the neighbourhood,
obtained leave to unite Rowley, which is in Wilts, to his other
adjoining parish of Farley, which is in Somerset. Rowley
accordingly now forms the Wiltshire part of the parish of
Farley; the river Frome which there bounds the two counties,
dividing them. A copy of Lord Hungerford’s deed of union
is in my possession. There is a part of the adjoining parish
of Winkfield, Wilts, which is also still called by the name of -
Rowley. It is some stray part of the original Rowley, which
through changes of ownership, and confusion of old titles, has —
probably been lost to the parish of Farley: as the deed of ;
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 3803
union gave to Farley, al/ that was anciently included under
the name of Rowley, alids Wittenham.
Ruptow, (parish of Box.) At Rudlow Firs, on the top of a hill
on the high road from Bath to Corsham, about seven miles
from Bath, there is at the entrance of Hartham Park, a park
lodge, which I have been told by villagers on the spot, was
made up about 1820, out of a “chapel” that once belonged to
some manor house at Rudlow. But no authentic record of
any such “chapel ” has ever been met with.
Sr. Mary pz Rurz. Mr. Britton in his Beauties of Wilts, vol. iii.,
p. 382, gives from Stow a Cluniac monastery of this title as
in Wilts. The great Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary de Rupe,
or Roche, was in Yorkshire. Nothing has been met with
about any house of this name in Wilts.
Sarum, Otp. The following titles and descriptions are met with,
of ecclesiastical buildings, in or attached to the fortress, at
various times.
A.D. 720, church of St. James. Named in a charter of
King Ina. [Letwych’s Antigq. Sarisb. p. 11.]
Chapel of the Virgin Mary: “long maintained in some part
of the fortress, and apparently of older foundation than Bishop
Osmund’s Cathedral there.” [Hatcher’s Salisbury, p. 709.]
Price quotes a charter of Ethelburga, Queen of Ina, granting
lands to “‘the Nuns of St. Mary in Sarisbyrig;” and another
of Editha, widow of King Edward, to the “Canons of St.
Mary in Sarum.” [Account of old Sarum, p. 42. ]
A.D. 1092. The Cathedral of Old Sarum, confiscated by
Bishop Osmund: of which “Our Lady’s Chapel” was still
standing and maintained at Leland’s visit, c. 1540.
Church of the Holy Rood: called in the reign of Edw. Il.
“the Chapel of the Holy Cross.” [Hatcher, p. 741.]
“Parish Church” of St. Peter. Several Incumbents are
named in the Wilts Institutions from 1298 to 1412. [Hatcher,
p- 709.] Perhaps this was the “other church” of which
Leland saw ‘some token visible near the east gate,” in 1540. A
charter about the Rector’s privileges is given in Hatcher, p.741.
804 Ancient Chapels, &e., in Co. Wilts.
1381. The Free Chapel in the castle of Old Sarum.
“Robert Ward instituted, by exchange with Thomas Erles-
toke.” [Hatcher, p. 709.]
There was also a church of St. John in the east suburb, of
which a chapel was visible in 1540. In the Valor Eccles.
this is named as the Hospital or Free Chapel of St. John, near
the castle of Old Sarum. A house of lepers seems to have
been attached to it. [Hatcher, p. 92.]
Sarum, New. In A.D. 1219, the year before the building of the
present Cathedral, a wooden church was set up pro tempore,
dedicated to the B. V. M.
In Salisbury Cathedral, there were, at the Reformation,
eleven endowed chantries, with their proper chaplains more or
less. These were the chantries of Bishop J. Waltham, Bishop —
Edmund Audley, Andrew Hulse, Gilbert Kymer, Dean, Robert |
Lord Hungerford, another of his, Bishop Beauchamp, Robert
Cloun, Blundesdon’s, Walter Lord Hungerford, K.G. (the
iron chapel), and Bishop Bridport. Two beautiful chapels were
altogether taken away during Mr. Wyatt’s alterations, about
1780; viz., the Beauchamp Chapel on the south side of the
Lady Chapel, and Robert Lord Hungerford’s on the north side.
St. Edmund’s. In 1291, the tithes of St. Edmund’s were
assigned to the maintenance of eight chaplains, to celebrate
for the soul of Walter, Bishop of Sarum. [Pope Nicholas
Tax.] In the old church which partly fell and was partly $
taken down, there were five chantries: viz., Reginald
Tudworth’s (sometimes called St. Edmund’s Chantry), St. —
Katharine’s, which stood in the church-yard and had a priest ;
endowed by H. Russell of Salisbury, about A.D. 1500. St. e
Nicholas, W. Randolph’s, and Holy Trinity. The list of all }
the priests is given in Hatcher, p. 702. ‘
St. Edmund’s College (dissolved). This was for a Provost
and thirteen priests (though there were never more than seven).
Two chantries were endowed by R. Woodford, in 1347. |
[ Hatcher, p. 88]. The list of Provosts [Ditto 701].
In St. Thomas’s Church were four endowed chantries: viz.,
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 805
Robert Godmanstone’s (two): William Warwyke’s and
William Swayne’s.
St. Martin’s Church (old). Leland saw on the north side
of St. Nicholas’s Hospital, a barn which the people told him
was the wreck of Old St. Martin’s. Hall [Memorials of
Salisbury, p. iii.], doubts this.
Harnham. Oollege of St. Nicholas, or Domus de Valle
Scholarum, or Vaux (dissolved). This had a Master and two
chaplains. The chapel was partly converted into a residence
for the Master of St. Nicholas Hospital. The chancel was
turned into a kitchen. The piscina remains. [Hall.] Mr.
Hatcher (p. 43) thought that an older hospital and chapel exist-
ed here before the foundation of the Cathedral. In Hatcher (p.
701) is a list of the Masters: and in Gent. Mag., 1818, May,
a plate.
St. John’s Chapel on an island near the bridge: was
built by Bishop Bingham, c. 1230. It had two chaplains.
“In order to secure the stability of the bridge which he had
built, by placing it under the constant superintendence of a
body interested in its preservation, the Bishop founded this
chapel and connected it with the hospital and chapel of St.
Nicholas.” [Hatcher, p. 46.] In Hall’s Pict. Mem. of Salisb.
plate xxiii., is a view of this ruined chapel.
A House of Lepers at Harnham is often alluded to, but its
site is unknown. [Hatcher, p. 92.]
The Religious Houses in Salisbury were two small establish-
ments.
1. The Dominicans, Black Friars, or Friars Preachers. They
came from Wilton and settled at Fisherton. Their conventual
church is mentioned. [Hatcher, p. 90. ]
2. The Franciscans, Grey Friars, or Friars Minors. They also
. had a conventual church. [Ditto p. 57, 90. ]
Seacry, (Malmesbury Hundred.) John Aubrey says of an old
manor house here “it was sometimea Nunnery.” He was mis-
led (in the way alluded to, in the remarks introductory to this
paper), by some traces of ecclesiastical style in an old country
306 Ancient Chapels, §c., in Co. Wilts.
house. There was never any kind of monastery in Seagry
itself: but an estate and farm-house in it belonged to the
neighbouring Priory of Bradenstoke.
SzLx, in Mildenhall parish, (Selkley Hundred.) Here was a
“Vicarage” formerly belonging to the Knights Templars:
and a chapel, long since destroyed. [Ecton, Bacon’s Liber
Regis, and Waylen’s Marlb., p. 23.] It is supposed to have
stood in Mildenhall Woodlands. In 1585 there was a wood
here, belonging to the Hungerford family, called “St. John’s
Throp.” |
SEvenHAmpton, near Highworth. A chapel of St. James is men-
tioned in which was a chantry founded by the Warnford
family, about A.D. 1393. See Wilts Collections, p. 158, and
appendix, No. xxxviii. The present chapel bears the dedica-
tion of St. Andrew.
SwaLBourRNE, near Hungerford, (Kinwardston Hundred.) “St.
Margaret’s Chapel: cum cura, Michael Topping cantarist and
curate,” 1534. [Valor Eccles.] The Commissioners in 1 Edw.
VI., report “a chapell with cure at Shalborne Westcourte,
Edward Blackall, aged 60 years, Incumbent. Clear yearly
value £4. He was pensioned with £3 13s. 9d.” They add,
“Mem. There be dyvers old recordes which testify the said
Chappell to be a Parishe Churche: and it is used as a Parishe
Churche, but the very parish Churche is but a myle distant
from the Chappell.” [Augm. Office. ]
In the Bishop’s Registry, Sarum, there is one presentation
only. “1899. Chantry of St. Margaret of Shalborne.
Patron, Wm. de Vedast, Prior of Okeborn, Prebendary of
Okeborn: on behalf of the Abbot of Bec Herlewyn. Richard
Hyote of Easton Grey was presented, exchanging with Ralph
Polhampton.” There is a ruined chapel still existing.
Suaw, near Melksham, (Hundred of Melksham.) St. Leonard’s
Chapel (destroyed). So early as 29 Edw. III. (1855), the
Dean and Canons of Sarum were bound to provide a Priest to
say mass in this chapel for the deceased lords of the manor
of Castle Combe. In the Court Rolls of Castle Combe, 1454
pty St
ee
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 307
and 1460, orders are entered to the steward to see that this
service, which had been neglected, be duly performed. [P.
Scrope’s History of Castle Combe, pp. 221, 249.]
SueErston Pinkney, or Parva, (Hundred of Chippenham.) Here
was anciently a Free Chapel, belonging to the hamlet (which
is now united with Sherston). The building has been long
destroyed, and the site forgotten. The names of several In-
cumbents are in the Sarum Registry, from A.D. 1300 to 1640.
[ Wilts Instit.] They were presented by lords of the manor.
In 1 Edw. VI., when confiscated, Simon Shewer was Rector ;
and the clear value was 66s. 8d. a year. [See Wilts Collec-
tions, p. 110.]
Pakesi, in Dauntesey parish, (Hundred of Malmesbury.] A
chapel of St. Anne, to which the Dauntesey family presented,
A.D. 1826-1443. [Wilts Instit.] The site is not known:
nor has any notice of endowment been met with. [Wilts
Collections, p. 217. See also Dauntesey, supra. |
Sovruwick, in the parish of North Bradley, (Whorwellsdown
Hundred.) Chapel of St. John the Baptist. There are two
documents in the Chartulary of Edingdon Priory, which seem |
to prove clearly that there was a chapel at Southwick Court
(now a farm-house of Mr. Long’s), about one mile from the
parish church. Before these documents can be rightly under-
stood, it is necessary to explain that originally, North Bradley
Rectory was considered as a ‘‘Chapel of the Prebend of Eding-
don,’ which Prebend belonged to Romsey Abbey in Hants.
But about 1354 this Prebend of Edingdon was detached from
Romsey Abbey, and appropriated to the foundation of Eding-
don Priory of Bonhommes, the head of which assumed the
title of Rector of Edingdon Priory.
The first deed is of about A.D. 1294: (before the foundation
of Edingdon Priory.) Its substance is as follows :—
‘A controversy having arisen between the Rector of Brad-
ley ” (then Prebendary of Edingdon in Romsey Abbey) “and
Adam de Grenvyle” (then owner of Southwick), “about a
chantry chapel of the said Adam Grenvyle, in his court of
308
Ancient Chapels, §c., in Co. Wilts.
Southwyk : the Rector of Bradley agrees to permit it. Adam
de Grenvyle and his successors are to present to the Rector of
Bradley, fit chaplains who shall do fealty to the Rector of
Bradley, and shall promise to admit none but the family of
Grenvyle and their guests. Offerings to be made three times
a year in Bradley Church: other offerings to be at the disposal
of the chaplain, except thanksgivings of women, which are to
be received at Southwick Chapel by the Priest of Bradley
himself, or by the other with special leave. For this concession
certain lands were given to the Rector of Bradley, by Adam
de Grenvyle.”
Southwick Court afterwards passed to the Stafford family.
The second document is dated A.D. 1397 (after the foun-
dation of Edingdon Priory of Bonhommes). By this the
head (or Rector) of the Priory institutes Richard of Lokyng-
ton into the vacant “ perpetual chantry in the chapel of the
Manor of Southwyk” on the presentation of the true patron
Humphrey de Stafford, Kt. : agreeably to the ancient covenant
above mentioned. Dated from the Chapter House of Edyngdon
5 June. [Edingdon Chartulary, p. 36. ]
By an Inquis. p. M. 1 Hen. V. (1413), Humphrey Stafford
and Elizabeth his wife were owners of “Southwick manor,
together with the advowson of the chapel of St. John the
Baptist belonging to the said manor.” There are in Sarum
Episcopal Registry no recorded presentations to Southwick
Chapel per se. In 1578, and afterwards, it appears as ‘‘ Bradley
cum Southwick.” It is not known where Southwick Chapel
stood, but it was probably close to the house.
Sranpen Hussey, or South Standen, in the parish of Hungerford.
South Standen belonged as early as Hen. III., to a family of
Hussey : but in Hen. VII., to Sir Reginald Bray. He founded
a Free Chapel dedicated to St. Faith, worth at the Reformation
83s. 4d. a year. In the Map of the Valor, it is called a
“Chantry of Hungerford Church.” In 1. Edw. VI., when
confiscated, it was worth 40s. a year. William Pett, aged 50
years, was Incumbent. No presentations appear in the Wilts
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 809
Institutions. The building lay a long while desecrated, and
was turned into a pigeon-house.
Sranpen Norru, near Froxfield; but in the parish of Hungerford.
Formerly called Standen Chaworth. It was granted to the
Protector Duke of Somerset, and by him, probably, sold to
Sir Anthony Hungerford of Down Amney. It was worth
88s. 8d. a year, and the last incumbent, 1. Edw. VI., was
Edward Hungerford, aged 30 years. No presentation in the
Wilts Institutions.
Sranptyncu. Parish of Downton. Near the river and site of
the former mansion-house, is a small chapel with the date of
A.D., 1147 upon it: supposed by Mr. Matcham to have been
originally an oratory of the family of Le Dune, ancient lords
of the manor. The greatest part of the present building was
however erected in the 17th century, and having font and
burial ground, it was probably used as a parochial chapel. It
is now used for service when Earl Nelson’s family are in
residence at the manor House. Of endowment or institution
of chaplains, there is no record. [See Matcham’s History of
Downton, p. 49.]
Srantey Appey. Near Chippenham. A house of 138 Cistercians,
or White Monks, removed hither from Lockswell, (which see) :
called sometimes from its foundress, the Empress Maud,
“Stanley Imperatricis.” The Railway from Chippenham to
Calne, passes nearly over the site. There is no vestige of the
monastery or church, except a few inequalities in the ground.
In Bowles’s History of Bremhill, p. 83, is some account of this
establishment. See also Wilts Arch. Mag., index. It was
granted to the Bayntons of Bromham. A few coins have
been found. The site now belongs to G. Goldney, Esq., M.P.
for Chippenham.
StezpLte Asuton, (Whorwellsdown Hundred.) The west end of
the south aisle is commonly called Beach’s Chapel, from a
family at West Ashton, but by what right they bestowed
their name upon it, does not appear. The north aisle was
built by the Longs, the south by Walter Lucas, and the whole
310 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
church new, not many years before the Reformation: but
there is no account of any chantry endowment. Of the name
of this parish it may be observed that when Leland (1540)
came here, there was a spire (afterwards destroyed) : and he
says “The spired steeple of stone is very fayre and highe, and
of that it is cawllyd Steple Assheton.”’ This appears to be
wrong. It is called in ancient documents Ashton Forum, or
Ashton Market. The real derivation therefore is Staple: as in
the case of Market or Staple Lavington.
Stoke Verpon: a hamlet in parish of Broad Chalk. A chapel
of St. Luke is mentioned here by John Aubrey (1670), in his
“MS. Remains of Gentilism,” p. 144. ‘The Foresters of New
Forest in Hants, come annually to St. Luke’s Chapel at Stoke
Verdon, with offerings, that their deer and cattle might be
blest. I have a conceit that there might be dedicated and
hung up in that chapell (now demolished), some hornes of
stagges that were greater than ordinary: and the like at St.
Luke’s Chapel at Turvey-Acton (Acton Turville), in Glouces-
tershire, by the keepers and foresters of Kingswood Forest.”
STRATFORD suB Castro, (Hundred of Underditch.) In the Survey
of Chantries, 1 Edw. VI., “the Free Chappell of St. John’s
under the castell of Old Sarum. in the parishe of Stratford.
Richard Dunstall, aged 60 years, incumbent. Clear yearly
value 12s.” Possibly the same as already mentioned under
Sarum, Old, supra.
Srratron Sr. Marcaret, (Hundred of Highworth.) Of an Alien
Priory here, said by Bp. Tanner to have been given, 20 Hen. VI.
to King’s College, Cambridge; little else seems to be known.
SURRENDEN, in the parish of Hullavington, (Malmesbury Hundred.)
Here are the remains of a better kind of house, built either
by the Hamlyn or the Gore family, about A.D. 1560-70. It
is now a solitary farm-house, between Alderton and Hul-
lavington, belonging to Sir J. Neeld. Aubrey (1670) says,
“the Church or Chapel remaines yet, but decayed.” There
is now no trace or tradition of it, nor any documentary record
whatsoever.
:
|
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson, 311
Surron, Lirrtz, near Warminster. The Augmentation Office
Survey, 1 Edw. VI., names “the Free Chapell of Little
Sutton within the parish of Great Sutton, John Shalden, aged
50 years, incumbent. Clear yearly value 26s. 8d. In 1291,
John de Berwick held it, then worth £1 a year.” A dispen-
sation was granted to the family of Sir John Kingeston (of
Corsley), to celebrate Divine service within the manor of
Sutton Parva. [Wyvil Register.] They presented from
1312-1333. Later patrons were, in 1382, Sir Robert Ashton :
in 1423 William Fynderne: in 1462, Thomas Kyngeston,
“honestus vir:” in 1514, the Bishop: and the last, in 1530,
Sir Thomas Lysley, and Mary his wife.
Terront Ewyas, (Dunworth Hundred.) On the north side of the
chancel is a Chantry Chapel: but by whom founded does not
appear. Probably by the Husee family.
Tempe Rocktey. See Rockley.
Testwoop. See Whiteparish, im/rd.
Tuoutsron, anciently Tholveston, N.W. of Warminster and in
that parish. There was formerly a chapel at this place, founded
by the Scudamore family. In A.D. 1819 (18 Edw. II.), the
Crown issued a monition to the Bishop of Sarum, to institute
no clerk to the vacant chapel of Tholveston, there being a law
suit about the advowson, between the families of Bavent and
Scudamore. Shortly after the Reformation, it was declared
to be destructa. From the Sarum Registry, Acta, it appears
to have been annexed about 1437, to the church of Upton
Scudamore at the instance of Walter Hungerford, patron,
and by the consent of Richard Thrysk, Vicar of Warminster,
Thomas Estyngton, Rector of Upton, and the Dean of
Sarum. [See Sir R. C. Hoare’s Warminster, pp. 15 and 57.]
Tippir: a tything of Damerham in South Wilts, had a small
church and rectory: but this was destroyed about 300 years
ago, having been supplanted and ruined (as it seems) by the
building of the neighbouring chapel of Marton. The ancient
name was Todeputte or Tudpute, Glastonbury Abbey property,
held by Sir Ralph de Baskerville, 1255. The Rectors were
312 Ancient Chapels, §c., in Co. Wilts.
presented by the Abbot of Glastonbury, from 1307 to 1511.
(Wilts Instit.) In 1. Edw. VI., it was confiscated by the name
of “The Free Chapel of Tutpytt, in the parish of Marten.
John Holwaye, aged 60 years, incumbent, clear value, 51s. 6d.”
In the Eccles. Taxation of 1291 it had been £4 6s. 8d. The
chapel is destroyed. In the Valor Eccles., Ecton, and Bacon’s
Liber Regis, it is miscalled “‘ Badpytt.”
Tissury. (Dunworth Hundred.) Bishop Tanner says that in the
Life of St. Boniface [Cressy’s Church History], mention is made
of one Wintra, an Abbot of ‘ Tissel-bury,” in the kingdom of
the West Saxons, about A.D. 720. The manor belonged to
Shaftesbury Abbey from A.D. 924: but of any house
of Religion being within the parish itself, nothing is
known.
There was a Chantry Chapel of St. Mary in the church.
At the Dissolution of Chantries, 1 Edw. VI., Thomas Bryger
was cantarist: the value was £5 ayear. The lands belonging
to it were bought some years ago by the governors of Queen
Anne’s Bounty, and were added to the Rectory of Compton
Chamberlayne. [Sir R. C. Hoare, Hundred of Dunworth,
p- 238.] See Hatch, suprd.
TirHERmncTon KeLiLaways, near Chippenham, (Hundred of Ditto.)
An ancient little church here, dedicated to St. Giles, and
called in the Sarum Registers, until 1450, ‘“Cayleway’s
Chantry,” had disappeared in 1760. Its founder had no doubt
been one of the Cayleway or Keilway family. In Bacon’s
Liber Regis it is miscalled “Calloes.” There is now a little
parish church, but on a different site.
TrowsripGE. Terumber’s Chantry. Leland (1540), says, “of
later tymes, one James Terumber, a very rich clothier, buildid
a notable fair house in this toune, and gave it at his deth with
other landes to the finding of two cantuarie prestes yn
Through-bridg Chirch. He also made a litle almose house by
the chirch, and yn it be a 6 poore folkes having a 3 pence a
peace by the week toward theyr fyndyng” (perhaps equal to
5s. now).
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 313
In 1 Edw. VI. there was only one chantry priest, Robert
Whittacre, aged 42 years. The Commissioners reported him
as “a very honest pore man and well able to serve a cure,
who hath allwaies kept a Free schole in Trobridge and yett
doth for the inducement of children. There was no preeste
beside the Vicar to helpe in admynistracion saving the said
chantre preest: wherefore the inhabytants there desire the
King’s most honourable counsell to consider them accordinglie.”
The almshouse charity continued till 1777, when it was lost.
The house being in ruins was taken down in 1811. [See
Wilts Arch. Mag., i., 150, and x., 240.]
Uravon. (Hundred of Swanborough), near Pewsey. Here was
an alien Priory of Benedict Monks, being a cell, or house
subordinate to St. Wandragesille’s Abbey at Fontanelle in the
diocese of Rouen. How many brethren occupied the Upavon
Cell, and whether they had any church or chapel of their own
apart from the parish church, is not known. The property
belonging to the cell was transferred, 1 Hen. VI. to the
monastery of Ivy Church, near Salisbury.
Upton Scupamore. This chantry appears to have been founded
in the north aisle of Upton Church about 5 Edw. I., 1272-3,
by Sir Peter Scudamore, who with his wife Margery, was
buried in it. He endowed it with a house and forty acres of
land: mass to be celebrated every day, and the house and
chantry to be kept in repair. In 25 Edw. III. (1849), Sir
Walter Scudamore granted to Robert de Bourguyn, chaplain,
for daily mass in the same, a tenement called the “ Dryehay,”
and 42 acres of land in Warminster: also feeding for 6
beasts, 6 pigs and 60 sheep, going on the downs and fields,
with certain rents of tenements. Mass, “per notam,” every
Saturday. On Sunday, “De Trinitate;” Monday, “De Sto
Spiritu ;” Friday, “Sancta cruce.”
This chantry endowment does not appear in the list of con-
fiscations, 1 Edw. VI. It had been previously disposed of.
In 1442, Walter Lord Hungerford, K.G. obtained leave to
unite it with another at Calne, and a chapel at Corton in
314 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
Hilmerton, for the augmentation of his chantry in Heytesbury
Church. [Hungerford Family Deeds. |
Wansoroucu, (Kingsbridge Hundred.) The chapel of St.
Katharine. This is believed to have stood at Court Close,
near Foxbridge, now commonly called “Cold Court.” There
were in it two foundations. 1. Loncrsprn’s. The founder
of this was Emmeline, Countess of Ulster (widow of Stephen
Longespée), who died 1276. There were three priests, of
whom the superior was called “Custos.” The endowment
was 100 marks a year out of lands here, and 14 marks a year
out of Staple Lavington. This was scld before the Reforma-
tion by Francis Viscount Lovell, to William Waynflete,
Bishop of Winchester, for his College of St. Mary Magdalene,
Oxford.
2. The other foundation was Wamserrcu’s. John de Wam-
bergh, Canon of Wells in 1336, gave the “ Custos” 47 acres
of land and a house at Colne: two priests were added, to
follow the rules of the Longespée chantry. They formed a
small college. [See Wilts Collections, Aubrey & Jackson, p.
197.] There are no remains of the chapel.
Warminster. St. Laurence’s Chapel. This was originally built
and endowed by a family of Hewitt, temp. Edw. III. The
lands worth £6 4s. 4d. a year, were confiscated, 1 Edw. VI.
and sold to one Roberts. They passed through sundry hands
and were finally recovered, and transferred to feoffees. In 12
Eliz., Thomas Hewitt of Erlestoke, yeoman, sold some other
portions to the feoffees. This church has lately been restored.
At the time of the confiscation (1 Edw. VI.), the Com-
missioners reported Warminster to be ‘well peopled, and
especially with youth. A place very meet to have a Free
Schole: toward the erection of which yf it might please the
King’s Highness to gyve the said lands, the inhabitants would
buy soe much more as should make yt upp Ten Pounds (per
annum); which yf it may take effect will doe moche good in all
that cuntrey.” The King’s council seemed to have turned a
deaf ear to this appeal.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. _ 815
Wesrsury. (Hundred of ditto.) Annexed to, or partly built in
with the main body of Westbury Church, are five additions :
bearing the traditional names of five families as the
respective builders: but owing to the absence of distinct
record either of endowment or description of site, it is not easy
now to identify each of them with certainty.
North side. 1. On the north side of the chancel is the (so called)
Mauduit Chapel. The Mauduit family were of great importance
in this neighbourhood as lords of the adjoining manor of
Warminster, till about the beginning of Rich. II., when they
were succeeded by Sir Henry Greene of Drayton, co. North-
ampton, who married their heiress. In Westbury, Leigh and
Bratton, they also had considerable property, and in A.D.
1332 “the advowson.of the chapel of the manor.” [Sir
R. C. Hoare’s Westbury, p. 79.] In 1841, a William of
Grimstead, lessee of Mauduit’s manor, endowed a chaplain in
Westbury with six marks: and in 1406 (8 Hen. IV.), Ralph
Greene, son of Sir Henry, renewed a long lease of “‘ Mauduit’s
Manor,” and of ‘the Advowson of the Chapel” to William
Westbury, Justice of the Common Pleas. [Sir R. C. Hoare’s
Warminster, p. 8.] What is meant in these authorities by
the ‘“advowson of the chapel of Mauduit’s manor ” is a little
perplexing. There is, on the one hand, no mention or tra-
dition, of any distinct building, standing within the limits of
the Jands called Mauduit’s. On the other, there is no record
of any endowment by the Mauduits themselves, of any chapel
within the parish church. Yet without such endowment of
land or tithe, the mere nomination of a chaplain to celebrate
mass in a part of the parish church, would hardly have been
called an “ Advowson of the chapel of Mauduit’s manor.”
The name of “ Mauduit’s” is at present usually given to this
north appendage to the chancel: but John Aubrey (1650)
did not so call it. His story, on the contrary, is that it was.
“built by Two maids of Brook” (i.e. Brooke House in West-
bury.) The “ Two maids of Brook” would fairly be the two
sisters, coheiresses of the Pavely family, owners in former
VOL, X.—NO. XXX. ¥
316
2.
3.
Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
times of Brook House. But, as Brook House never belonged
to the Mauduits (who were owners in quite a different part of
Westbury parish), Aubrey’s tradition (200 years ago) seems
to lend no support to the tradition of the present day,
which calls this north chancel chapel by the name of
** Mauduit’s.”
Adjoining the last mentioned, and forming the end of the
north transept, is another, which Aubrey (1650), visiting the
church as an antiquary, and reporting what was told him,
calls the “‘Leversedge Chapel.” A family of this name were
larger landowners on the Somersetshire border adjoining
Westbury parish, than in Westbury itself. But they had
some lands in Westbury: and in the Chantry Rolls (quoted
in Sir R. C. Hoare’s Westbury, p. 81) it is stated that “The
ancestors of Robert Leversage, Esq., appointed owte of certain
lands in Westbury, 8s. a year for the maintenance of an obit
in the said church for ever.”” Aubrey’s testimony (1650) goes
in favour of the current title of this part of the church, so
far as to call the “aisle North of the Tower,” the “ Leversidge
aisle: but here again confusion arises: for he says that
“‘ Paveley and Cheney arms were in the window.”’ Now, the
arms of Paveley and Cheney were coats assuredly belonging to
Brook House, with which estate there is no evidence to show
that the Leversedge family had anything to do.
Whether Westbury Church, and Westbury traditions are
able or unable to identify and find a place for the chapels of
Mauduit and Leversedge, room they are bound to find for a third
chapel on the same north side, viz.: for that of William of
Westbury, C.J. of the Common Pleas, who died A.D. 1448:
because in this case we have evidence, to which even parish
traditions must accommodate themselves. In the Chief
Justice’s last will, (printed in Sir R. C. Hoare’s Westbury, p.
16) he speaks of a “perpetual chapel in the north part of
Westbury Church: which chapel had been very lately built
by his father John Westbury and himself:” in which also,
“near the inner wall,” he “desires to be buried.” Aubrey
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 317
(1650) gives us no help in finding out where William of
Westbury’s chapel was, for he never mentions William of
Westbury’s name. Yet this chapel of the C.J’s. is really the
only one which we are quite certain was built on the north
side.
4. South Side. The chapel south of the chancel bears the tra-
ditional name of the “ Brook.” or ‘“ Willoughby Chapel :”
and may be admitted to be correctly named: because there
was in Aubrey’s time in the windows of it, the rudder, the
device of the Willoughbys of Brook House. This device
was still remaining within the memory of persons still living:
and it is much to be regretted that, in modern church restora-
tions, such useful] relics of local history are so frequently
removed and lost.
5. The other chapel on the south side, forming the end of the
south transept contains the large monument of James Ley,
Earl of Marlborough. He was owner of Heywood in this
parish. This may therefore have been the Heywood chantry
which was confiscated 6 Edw. VI. [Sir R. C. Hoare, West-
bury, p. 19. See also Wilts Collections, p. 404.] It contains
also the monument of William Phipps, Governor of Bombay,
who died in 1748 at Heywood House, which belonged to him
and was sold by his son in 1789.
Wesr Dean. (Alderbury Hundred.) There was a very ancient
chantry in the Church of Dean, dedicated to the Virgin
Mary, and apparently founded by Robert de Burbach, as it is
called “‘Cantaria Robert de Bourbach,” in the register of an
Institution in 1342. It was probably founded in 13823. R.de
Burbach presented in 1833: subsequently the Bishop. There
are Institutions from 1333 to 1417. [Modern Wilts, Alder-
bury, p. 25. ]
Wuappoy, in the parish of Alderbury, on the road to Southampton.
| There was once a church and Rector. In 1818 the patron
was Sir Alan Plugenet, Kt.: in 1826, Robert Bluntesdon, in
| 1334, the Prior of Ivy Church Monastery.
_ Wuetrzey, in Whiteparish. “The chapel of St. Leonard: of very
x2
318
Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
ancient foundation. Some fragments are still left. In Hen.
III., Gilbert le Engleys held lands in Whelpley, of the manor
of Castle Combe, and had the advowson of the Chapel of St.
Leonard. Institutions continue to 1538. On the homestead
of Whelpley Farm the walls of the chapel still remaining
enclose a stable. They are of flint, the corners being inter-
laced with stone. It stands on a lofty mound, and some
terraces near indicate the site of an adjoining manor house.”
[See Matcham’s Frustfield, pp. 30, 40.]
Wuitcuurcu. See “ Malmesbury,” supra.
WuireparisH. (Frustfield Hundred.) 1. Abbeston, alids Ticu-
BORNE. A Free Chapel attached to the Manor of More
Abbeston, belonged in 1311 to Andrew de Grimstead, Kt.: in
1354, to John Turberville: in 13898, to John Bettesthorne :
in 1427, to John Berkeley, Kt.: and in 1459, to Maurice
Berkeley of Beverston, co. Gloucester. Afterwards to the
College of St. Edmund of Sarum. The building has perished.
Mr. Bristow owns a piece of land called Chapel Field, where
it probably stood. [Matcham’s Frustfield, p. 50.] In the
Wiltshire Institutions (where it is once called Albeston St.
James), are presentations from 1311 to 1436.
Barn Court, Free Chapel. In 1 Edw. VI., Thomas Symberd
(St. Barbe) was Incumbent: the clear yearly value was 13s.
4d. [Survey of Chantries.] This was perhaps the Chapel of
Cowsfield Loveraz, of which Mr. Matcham [ Frustfield, p. 71.]
says, ‘‘ Cowsfield Loveries. A chapell endowed with a portion
of the tithes, belonged at an early period to this manor: the
first Institution appears in the year 1306, under the name of
Capella de Covesfield, to which a presentation was made by
Stephanus de Loveraz. The last mention of it in the Insti-
tutions occurs in 1464, but I know not even to what spot the
site of the building can be assigned.”
38. Tzstwoop, “Free Chapel. In the said parish of Whiteparish :
Roger Gilborne, Incumbent. Clere yerelie value, v*., never
charged with Tenthes. Pension vy.” [Survey of Chantries. ]
This may have been the endowed building to which Mr.
———— rl Uh
By the Rev. J. EF. Jackson. 319
. Matcham refers [Frustfield, p. 75] under “ Cowsfield Spilman.”
“A chapel, possibly independent of that before mentioned in
Cowsfield Loveries, was formerly attached to this manor, of
which the lords had the presentation. Gilbert and John de
Testwood presented in 1335: but I suspect that after the
purchase of lands by the family of Esturmy it was known by
their patronymick. I believe no vestige or knowledge of it
remains.”
Wuirtecu. In 18 Edw. II. (1324), John Mauduit of Somerford
(in Malmsbury Hundred), had the manor of Whitlegh, and
advowson of the chapel there. In 34 Edw. III. (1860), they
belonged to Thomas Bradeston, Kt. The local name of Whit-
ley is found more than once in North Wilts. The place here
meant was perhaps the hamlet so called, near Melksham,
between Atworth and Lacock. But nothing is now positively
known of any chapel at any place called Whitley.
Wivcomse, in Hilmerton parish. In 1839, there was a Chantry
Chapel here, in the gift of John de Langford, then owner of
the estate. There is no record of any endowment. Two
chaplains are named in the Sarum Registers: John de
Parmenter, and his successor in 1839, William de Sleghtere.
Winn. On the right hand of the road from Cricklade to Broad
Blunsdon, is marked in Andrew’s and Dury’s map of Wilt-
shire, ‘“‘ Widhill Chapel,” but nothing has been met with to
throw light upon its history. Woodhill manor belonged in
very ancient times to the Besills: then to Aylmer 1361, to
Delawarr 1370, to St. Omer 1404.
Witton, (Branch and Dole Hundred). Leland’s statement that
Wilton once possessed twelve churches, has been sustained by
the researches of Sir R. C. Hoare who supplies the following
list. [Branch and Dole, p. 75.]
1. St. Epirs. Conventual Church of Wilton Abbey; on the
site of (now) Wilton House. In 1383, there were nine chap-
lains in the service of the monastery. In 1534 [Valor Eccles. ]
the number was three: viz., the Deacon, the Epistolar, and
the Chaplain of the chantry. The latter was probably the
820 Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
cantarist of the foundation of Matilda Bockland and Sibil
Aucher, Prioresses. [Valor Eccles., 112. ]
2. St. Mary’s, Brede Street : lately the parish church ; some of
the nave arches have been left standing.
8. Sr. Micwazts, South Street. The exact site of it is not known.
Institutions to it continue to A.D. 1498. The last patron was
Dartford Priory, Kent.
4, Hoty Trinity. Site unknown. The last Institution was in
1465: the Priory of St. Denys, Southampton, being patron.
5. Sr. Nicnoras, West Srreer. Institutions to A.D. 1393. It
was in ruins before 1435, when the parish was united to St.
John’s Priory, Wilton.
6. Sr. Nicuoras 1x Atrio. In ruins in 1366. United to St.
Michael’s in Kingsbury (see below), in 1435. Rebuilt 1445.
The Abbess nominated, without episcopal institution. It
passed away as Abbey property at the Dissolution.
7. Sr. Mary, Wesr Srreer. The Abbess was patron. The last
Institution 1420. Service dropped in 1425. United 1435, to
St. John’s Priory, Wilton. Site supposed to be in the garden
belonging, 1825, to Mr. Seward.
8. DitcHampton, or St. AnpREw’s Rectory, Wilton. United,
1564, to St. Mary’s Rectory. Site not known.
9. Butprince, St. Peter’s. The Abbess, Rector. Institutions
from 1381. The Vicarage was united to St. Mary’s. Site
unknown. [For “ Porter’s Chantry,” see Bulbridge, suprd. ]
10. Nernernampton, St. Katruarine’s. A donative: no In-
stitutions, There is a church still at Netherhampton.
11. Sr. Micuaerx’s in Kingsbury: in the patronage of the Prior
of St. John’s, Wilton. United to St. Nicholas in Atrio. Site
unknown.
12. Sr. Epwarp’s. Returned in 1383 as a Rectory in Wilton:
but nothing else known about it.
Sr. Joun’s Priory, or Hospital, had a chapel. Its revenues from
land were £18 a year, in 1 Edw. VI. Certain estates still
survive, and a Prior to enjoy them: but the chapel, and some
other parts of the building are used as cottages.
By the Rev. J. E. Jackson. 321
Sr. Girzs’s Hosprrat. . This had a chapel covered with lead. The
clear annual value was £6, 1 Edw. VI.; and John Dowse,
clerk, was Master.
Black Friars are said to have been at Wilton.
St. Mary Magdalen’s Hospital. A tradition of such a house
is mentioned by John Aubrey: but nothing has been dis-
covered about any such place. If it ever existed it was lost
before the Reformation.
Wirrennam. See Rowley, supra.
7oopDHILL, or WoopuvuLt, in parish of Clyff Pypard. In 1274
(3 Edw. I.), there was a chapel with Rectory, belonging to
the Prioress of Ambresbury. [Nonar. Inq., p. 162. ]
Woorron Basser, (Kingsbridge Hundred.) A Priory or Hospital
of St. John Baptist, founded A.D. 1266, by the Despencer
family. The custos was instituted by the Bishop. United to
Bradenstoke Priory in Hen. IV. [See Wilts Coilections, p.
203.] In Pope Nicholas’s Taxation, A.D. 1391, the head of
the house is called “Prior de Wotton in Bradenstoke.” He
had at Quedhampton near Wotton, 10s. a year.
Wraxuatt, Norrn. In this church was an endowed chantry,
with a chaplain; originally founded (probably) by a Sir
Godfrey de Wrokeshale: and afterwards in the patronage of
successive lords of the manor. At the Confiscation, 1 Edw.
VI., the clear yearly value was 48s. 8d. The Incumbent then
was William Spencer, “a student in Oxford.” The Wilts
Institutions speak of two chantries here, St. Mary’s (13381),
and All Saints (A.D. 13890). The chaplains to both were in-
stituted by the Bishop.
Wraxnatt, Sourn. In this parish, a few hundred yards from the
- old manor house of the Longs, is a farm-house, which con-
tains some very good remains of a chapel. This was St.
Audoen’s, or vulgd St. Tewen’s. (Sr. Owen was a canonized
Bishop of Rouen, A.D. 683.) This chapel, with certain lands
and tithes, was purchased under the name of St. Tewen’s, by
the Longs, in 1629, from Henry Thynne and Edmund Pike.
Part of the property belonging to the chapel of St. Tewen’s,
322
Ancient Chapels, &c., in Co. Wilts.
is described as tithes on “ Barley’s and Hussey’s lands.”
There used to be anciently a place in Wraxhall parish, called
“ Berley’s or Barley’s Court,”’ which belonged to the Hussey
family 1476, who succeeded to it by marriage with an heiress
of Blount of Cumberwell, Shockerwick and Bitton. Thomas
Blunt, who died 1447, had married the daughter and heiress
of Thomas Berlegh. The family of Berlegh had lands at
Bath Hampton, also about Bradford and Cumberwell, &c. As
Berlegh’s Court in Wraxhall provided part of the maintenance
of St. Audoen’s Chapel, and the first chaplain on record pre-
sented by the Prior of Monkton Farley in 1323, bore the
name of Reginald de Ber/ee, there is just room for the sugges-
tion, that perhaps St. Andoen’s may have been one and the
same as “‘ Berlegh Chapel,” the locality of which has long
perplexed Wiltshire topographers. [See Berlegh above: and
Wiltshire Collections, p. 26.]
On the south side of the parish church is Long’s Chapel,
which from having over the door, on the outside, the date of —
1566, is said to have been built by Sir Robert Long, In the
interior, on each side of the east window, is a niche, and on
the right hand a piscina. This as Mr. Britton observes
[Beauties of Wilts, iii., 225] isa remarkable circumstance
if the chapel was altogether new after the Reformation.
There is no mention of any endowment.
Yatron Krynes, or West. (Hundred of Chippenham.) This is
a hamlet in Yatton Keynell. John Aubrey, born within 2
miles of the place, is our only authority for a chapel here. |
“‘ Almost at the lower end of the conigere was the ruines of a
chapel tillabout 165—. I think there wasa Hermitage by it.”
But no allusion to any chapel here has been met with in any
diocesan or public records. [See Wiltshire Collections, p. 123.]
Yew Rince. See Ewridge, supra.
Zua’s, a tything of Mere. (Hundred of Mere.) There was at
Zeal’s a chapel dedicated to St. Martin, [Sir R. C. Hoare,
Mere, p. 13] with a chaplain. Bishop Osmund’s Register,
Sarum, says that service was due there three times a week.
(Do. 143). J. E. J.
323
Some OlY Coppers.
By the Rey, Epwarp Pracocx, M.A.
(E=GHE old coppers, which form the subject of this article, are
oF) B) generally known by the name of provincial halfpence, or
Tradesmen’s tokens, and in the sixth volume of this magazine will
be found a paper on the subject, as far as relates to the earlier
issues of them; but as nothing is said there of the last issue, it may
perhaps be acceptable to archeologists to have some description of
it, especially as this coinage is now fast passing out of remembrance.
The heading of this paper was advisedly chosen, and for this
reason, viz., many of these coins were above the value of a half-
penny, and many under, and so cannot fairly be termed provincial
halfpence: neither is the term Tradesmen’s tokens an accurate des-
eription, because many were not issued by individual tradesmen,
but by various towns, and even villages, and even in some larger
places, by the overseers of the poor, and managers of mines. The
coins themselves find but little favour with coin collectors—not
only because they are of comparatively very modern date, but also
because in themselves they are mean and poorly executed.
Till within the last twenty years some few of them remained in
circulation—not because such circulation was legal, but because
they bore such a resemblance »to the current coin of the realm
that they passed unobserved. The halfpenny most common of
later years, was one which bore the likeness of Brutus, but arranged
in such a manner that a casual observer detected little or no differ-
ence between it and one of the earlier halfpennies of George III.
As on former occasions, these old coppers originated in the very
scanty supply of legal money issued from the Royal Mint; and as
some of them bear the words “by Act of Parliament,” it appears
that this local coinage was for a time legal.
The Anglesea penny was the first coin issued of those which
form the subject of this paper. It bears the date of 1784, and
was quickly succeeded by a vast quantity of similar coins, struck by
824 Some Old Coppers.
particular tradesmen,—trading companies,—towns,—cities,—and
even villages. The circulation of these provincial halfpence, seems
to have been put an end to not later than the year 1818. The
interest in these “ o/d coppers” arises from two causes; the extra-
ordinary value of the designs of many of them, and the way in
which they hand down to these days the most engrossing matters
of their date. With regard to the designs on many of them, in
some cases they are so extraordinary, that those who have not
actually seen them, might fairly accuse any writer, who described
them, as playing upon the credulity of his readers: therefore it is
necessary here to state that every description in this paper has
been written from the actual coin, or from an accurate engraving
of it.
These copper coins represented various values—the commonest
being one penny; others represented a halfpenny—others again
one farthing: whilst one issued by John Pinkerton in 1789, stood
proxy for one shilling. Many of these coins are interesting from
having struck upon them representations of buildings—some of
which are already destroyed. It would be quite impossible within
the limits of a paper of this description to enumerate all; but to
give an idea of what these representations are, mention may be
made of Colchester and Bungay Castles (in ruins), Chichester and
Ipswich Market Crosses—a multitude of churches, town halls, and
factories; most of the old gates of the city of London—Bishops-
gate—Ludgate—Aldgate and Temple Bar—the Houses of Parlia-
ment as they then stood—the Hospitals, and indeed most of the
public buildings in London.
Others again record great engineering successes, such as bridges,
—canals—and what was thought such a wonder at the time of its
being formed—-the Brimscombe tunnel for the canal near Stroud.
Some recorded events of local history: Coventry for instance, has
its penny, whereon figures Queen Godiva, in her ride “ pro bono
publico.” A token issued in the city of York commemorates the
birth there of the Emperor Constantine.
Men too, who have made themselves a name, are frequently
represented on these old coppers :—Shakspeare—Newton—Johnson
By the Rev. Edward Peacock. 825
—Pill—Horne Tooke—Washington—Lord Howe, and the glorious
first of June—Lord Cornwallis, and a numerous host of worthies
of local fame. These copper coins were payable in various ways
—some only at the shop or place where they were issued; others
had a more extended circulation ; for on some are the words “ Pay-
able in Anglesey, London and Liverpool:” on others, ‘‘ Payable
at Liverpool or Bristol ”—at “Cambridge, Bedford and Hunting-
don”’—others more ambitious still, state that they are “ current
everywhere.” Some of these old coppers are political—some patri-
. otic—some church and state—some republican. An amusing one
may be thus described; on the one side is a stout Englishman,
seated at a table, his wig, for greater ease, hung negligently on
the back of his chair: he is helping himself from a magnificent
sirloin of beef, with a foaming tankard of ale at his side, and a
large plum-pudding in the back ground, and over his head are the
words “‘ English slavery; on the reverse of the token is a lean
Frenchman, seated on the bare floor before an empty grate, trying
to make a meal from a plate containing two or three frogs—and
with nothing to cheer him in the way of liquor: over his head is
the legend ‘“ French liberty :’’ the whole probably intended sarcas-
tically to convey the notion that English slavery was a better thing
after all than the liberty which the French nation at that moment
was so proud of. Another of these tokens, issued no doubt by a
very loyal subject, has on the obverse the head of George, Prince
of Wales; on the reverse are the words “ British Constitution,”
enclosed in an inverted triangle, which triangle is supposed to be
securely balanced by the weight of the crown pressing on its top,
and hindered from the possibility of falling sideways, by the firm
support of Lords and Commons, one on either side. Another,
announced as payable in London, Bristol and Lancaster, is em-
bellished with a Map of France, (date, 1794), in which honour is
trodden under foot—glory obscured—religion unsettled—France
itself disunited, and fire in every corner: and on the reverse is a
magnificent star, with the words ‘‘ May Great Britain ever remain
the reverse.” Another has on one side a man hanging from the
gallows, a church with a flag in the distance, and the words “ End
326 Some Old Coppers.
of Pain:” on the reverse, with date 1797, and the words “ French
Reforms,” is a deep bowl called “ Fraternity,” (in which is sunk
the cross), and from it flow in copious streams, Regicide—Robbery
—Falsity and Requisition.
Such matters as the abolition of the Slave trade, are not passed
by ; some of the coins bearing the likeness of a chained negro, with
a fitting inscription. Another celebrates the Dunmore Flitch of
Bacon; and thus a multitude of curious circumstances and customs
are kept from oblivion.
Wiltshire had its half-pence as well as other counties, and this -
paper will conclude with the description of some of them.
First as to those payable in Salisbury: one dated 1791, has on
the obverse, the likeness of some man in a tie-wig, and on the
reverse, the initials W. G. M. Another (date 1796), gives a view
on the obverse of “the Cathedral Church of Sarum;” and on the
reverse the Grocer’s arms, with the words “ fine teas,”’ and on the
rim, “ Payable at J. & T. Sharpe, Salisbury.” One issued in 1796
at Devizes, has on the obverse, a stag, with “J. Baster, Devizes,
Wilts; and on the reverse, the arms of the town.” The Wiltshire
Yeomanry had a token of their own: on the obverse, with the date
of 1794, is a mounted Yeoman at full galop, with drawn sword,
and the words ‘“ Wiltshire Yeomanry Cavalry ;” on the reverse,
three mounted yeomen, two with drawn swords, the other bearing
a flag, with the words “their token,” and beneath are the initials
P. A. ET. F., (Pro aris et focis). Two tokens were issued at
Holt, near Melksham: both have the same obverse, viz., a very
stout winged figure, probably intended for ‘“‘fame”’ blowing a
trumpet, and holding in the left hand a victor’s wreath: with the
words “Holt Wiltshire Mineral Water, discovered 1558.” One
of these tokens has on the reverse, a view of the Spa House, and
underneath it the announcement ‘‘ Neat Lodgings,” and the initial
B, and round the coin, “ Sold by John Griffiths, No. 27, St. Albans
Street, London. The other has nothing on the reverse but the
words ‘Sold at the Spa House, Holt, by D. Arnot proprietor, and
by John Griffiths No. 27, St. Albans Street, London. There seems
a doubt whether these two latter coins were ever intended to
Portrait of R. Pierce. 327
circulate as money; at least they bear no notification as to any
place where they were payable, the probability then is that they
were sold to visitors at the Spa, as memorials of their visit, and as
an advertisement of the proprietors that held lodgings.
Portrait of A. Pierce.
(@=cHE portrait, lately presented to the Society by Dr. Everett,
al y is that of Richard Pierce, of Devizes, (date of the paper
held in the hand 1662, not 1562, as before stated). It is of con-
siderable interest to Wiltshire, and particularly to Devizes men.
Pierce was a Woollen Draper (a trade of much importance in those
days), and Chamberlain and Alderman of the Borough. He was
a stanch Royalist, and took a prominent part in the stirring
events of the Civil Wars, particularly during the siege of the
castle and town. He is referred to in the following lines, by
the Hon. Edward Howard (Caroloiades).
‘“‘This exigent as Royalists deplored,
And fruitlessly had searched for powder stored,
A trasty townsman makes himself their guide
Unto enough of his to aid their side.
Provided thus with bold joy they defy,
By peals of shot the daring enemy ;
And with recruited fury sallies make
Where posted foes they kill, and prisoners take.
Scorning that works their valour should confine,
Who durst the place defend without a line.”
It appears that he had hidden stores of powder, which in their
extreme want he placed at the disposal of Lord Hopton’s party,
and thus to him may be ascribed the prolonged defence of the
town, and as a sequence, Waller’s defeat on Roundway.
He afterwards had to compound for his estate, as “‘ a delinquent,”
for his adherence unto the forces raised against the Parliament,
[ Vide Waylen’s History of Devizes. |
The picture can be traced from the Pierce family, to that of the
late Mrs. Giffard, through family connexions.
828
Donations to the Auseum and Aibrary.
The Council of the Society have the pleasure to acknowledge the following
Donations.
By R. C. Lone, Esa. :—A ponderous iron implement found among the ‘‘ Grey
Wethers” at Clatford, with some fragments of iron found under some of the
stones. [It has been suggested that this implement is the representative of
the modern fold-bar. At periods when iron was scarce and valuable, such a
form as this would be used, attached to a long wooden handle; it is super-
seded by the pointed iron bar of modern times. ]
By Mr. J. ELten :—The Poll- Book of the Wilts Election of 1818,
By J. Yonez AkerMAN, Ese. :—An account of excayations in an ancient
cemetry at Frilford, Berks.
By J. Mayzr, Esq., F.S.A.:—A paper ‘‘on Public Libraries, &c.,” and an
address to the Historic Society of Lancashire, by the donor.
Ancren? TILE FounD at Mitton.
Mr. Huncerrorp Penruppocse has presented to the Society, an encaustic tile
found at Milton, near Pewsey, Wilts. It has on ita shield of arms, sable, a cross
engrailed ermine; in the first quarter, a crescent argent. A learned member
of the Society has supplied the following information on the subject :—‘‘ Mil-
ton Church and the manor of Fyfield, belonged to Cirencester abbey, co.
Gloucester, and in the list of Cirencester abbots, I find William Wotton,
who died 1440. In Burke’s Armoury, the arms of the last Wotton but one
are given as ‘sable, a cross engrailed ermine.’ The crescent we may presume
to be a mark of cadency; that is, it was added to the family arms to show
that Abbot Wotton was asecond son. The tile, no doubt, formed part of the
decorations of Milton Church, and was placed there during the time when
Wotton was abbot of Cirencester abbey—perhaps about the time when the
church was restored and newly paved.”
Erratum.
In the reference to the Wetherell bequest, p. 217 in the last number of the
Magazine, it was stated that Mrs. Wetherell was the sister of the late Dean
Merewether. This is not correct, the Dean was the son of an elder half-brother
of the late Sergeant Merewether.
END OF VOL. X.
H. BULL, Printer and Publisher, Devizes,
DR.
1865.
*. ce
1866.
Balance Sheet, showing the Receipts and Disbursements of the Wiltshire Archeological and Natural History Society, from
31st December, 1864, to 31st December, 1866.
RECEIPTS. £8 d
To balance brought forward from last account, printed
PURCOM Satvat cet scides mine vcwareaicremaieemeancaan | L20vlan a
77 Aunual Subscriptions |... is. s cc. ces cused. oes 150 2 6
Pepe BLE OK NUR AMIN CUE craceis avery npn cls. e vyoinia's\eiele slele/ois oe 6 12 11
£282 7 “9
_
To balance brought down ............22.2-+eeee+--- LOL 19 7
pre ATin Ua Srbscriptions Fo. icc wemmisly-es csc science Oe L600
Pees ale OL SOT AR AMINES sie a1. s-eilp aimee, vies o mjaie\ ol¥iaewid te tie 4 0 6
Sy cbitto.or Aubrey VOLUME .cwericwaivc vsicc 0 clsina viele 22 6 10
£343 1 10
DISBURSEMENTS. £ s. d.
1865. By sundry expenses including Postages, Carriage, Adver-
tiging Stutionery. OCs y veicjecvcviieivte oiere ie sins aise nate wena LOL
», Printing, Engraving, &c., including Nos. 26 and 27
of the Wiltshire Magazine ........eseeeseeeeeee (218 9
pp) MAS TAT ATCO 5), bier evelsiieieln e cuelsialelu'euutnieleictels 0
», Salary of Assistant Secretary .........-+eseeeee.e 15 0 0
0
0
7
», Poundage on Subscriptions .........eeeeeeeeeee 7 10
», Rent of Room at Savings Bank, .
ssp Baldticein HANG s.r ssces eeuivucievaldevalioevreelOLLO
£282 7 9
1866. By sundry expenses, including Postages, Carriage, Adver-
tising dnd) Stationery’. ..2.. sess be ossleeeteece: —20°Lon oS
», Printing, Engraving, &c., including Nos. 28 and 29
of the Wiltshire Magazine ................+00-. @2 111
gore ANSUPENOO AS, «ae Meretiiorsl ea rele ela Mantaacy olelstarcie ce ana e7e’s 013 0
ay JOOKB PULOHAEEO- aicienersiata Wend Bs. -ecleciecilese 1 5 0
», Salary of Assistant Secretary....... a acee = Lo EO
» Poundage on Subscriptions............eseeeeeeee 7 14
Mr. Kite, for rent of room for stock of Aubrey
Volume, 5 years............ Giarsta ele oars cigaatass 56 0 0
», Rent of Room at Savings Bank............+...-. 1110 0
PBGLENCH ID NANG) “pe nisiniea cir aise vsieme senses are Uee lO) oO
WILLIAM NOTT,
Assistant (Finance) Secretary.
thereat
a“
«
.
stint
Wels
pal
ae
bs
sttes
‘
a Tyfataly +
.
eg ae
“ nl ee ee Pets
een
Po ater,
ha ag od ing at = ea oe